THE FIRST flight from Melbourne to Phuket by Australia's newest international marque, Strategic Airlines, is due to land at Phuket International Airport this afternoon.
The 273-seat capacity Airbus A330, including some Australian celebrities, was farewelled in Melbourne by Thai dancers, drummers, representatives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Tourism Victoria.
The flight arrives on Phuket at 3.40pm.
According to a media release, the wholly Australian-owned airline ''will make history with its inaugural Melbourne-Phuket flight, giving local passengers a brand new choice in international travel while also making its foray into the popular Thailand market.''
Flight VC240 has on board celeb guests who will gather with airline founder and Executive Director Michael James for a launch event for 200 guests at the Indigo Pearl on Phuket this evening.
''Our first route is Melbourne direct to Phuket and we have been encouraged by very strong demand,'' he added.
''In an era of airline travel where most airlines derive incremental revenue from many extra fees and charges such as baggage fees, entertainment charges, food and beverages sold on board, we are a modern airline offering old fashioned, 'all inclusive' full service.''
Flights will depart Melbourne Airport every Tuesday and Friday at 10.45am. Return flights will depart Phuket International Airport every Thursday and Sunday at 7.30pm, arriving in Melbourne at 7.55am the following day.
On Thursday February 24, Strategic Airlines will also make the first of its new twice-weekly flights from Brisbane to Phuket.
Phuketwan understands the flights will be subject to a review in late March. The airline will also launch a Brisbane-Denpasar (Bali) services from March19.
The 273-seat capacity Airbus A330, including some Australian celebrities, was farewelled in Melbourne by Thai dancers, drummers, representatives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Tourism Victoria.
The flight arrives on Phuket at 3.40pm.
According to a media release, the wholly Australian-owned airline ''will make history with its inaugural Melbourne-Phuket flight, giving local passengers a brand new choice in international travel while also making its foray into the popular Thailand market.''
Flight VC240 has on board celeb guests who will gather with airline founder and Executive Director Michael James for a launch event for 200 guests at the Indigo Pearl on Phuket this evening.
''Our first route is Melbourne direct to Phuket and we have been encouraged by very strong demand,'' he added.
''In an era of airline travel where most airlines derive incremental revenue from many extra fees and charges such as baggage fees, entertainment charges, food and beverages sold on board, we are a modern airline offering old fashioned, 'all inclusive' full service.''
Flights will depart Melbourne Airport every Tuesday and Friday at 10.45am. Return flights will depart Phuket International Airport every Thursday and Sunday at 7.30pm, arriving in Melbourne at 7.55am the following day.
On Thursday February 24, Strategic Airlines will also make the first of its new twice-weekly flights from Brisbane to Phuket.
Phuketwan understands the flights will be subject to a review in late March. The airline will also launch a Brisbane-Denpasar (Bali) services from March19.
I hope they succeed in this venture, i have booked a flight from Brisbane to Phuket in May.
Posted by graeme on February 22, 2011 18:22