PHUKET: Virgin Australia is ending its Perth-Phuket flights from February and will see another airline brand take over its services from three Australian cities to Bali from March.
Combined with unfavorable fluctuations in the Australian dollar, the announcement will probably mean a drop in the number of Australians visiting Phuket.
Tigerair is to replace Virgin Australia on its Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth routes to Bali.
However, Virgin will increase flying to New Zealand with its alliance partner Air New Zealand.
Virgin's mounting losses contrast with its larger rival Qantas, which is expected to post a near $1 billion annual pre-tax profit on August 20.
Analysts have warned that the risk for Virgin is that Qantas is closing the gap in costs between the two quicker than expected.
The full-year loss for Virgin of $49 million compares with a previous loss of $213 million.
Combined with unfavorable fluctuations in the Australian dollar, the announcement will probably mean a drop in the number of Australians visiting Phuket.
Tigerair is to replace Virgin Australia on its Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth routes to Bali.
However, Virgin will increase flying to New Zealand with its alliance partner Air New Zealand.
Virgin's mounting losses contrast with its larger rival Qantas, which is expected to post a near $1 billion annual pre-tax profit on August 20.
Analysts have warned that the risk for Virgin is that Qantas is closing the gap in costs between the two quicker than expected.
The full-year loss for Virgin of $49 million compares with a previous loss of $213 million.
It is a pity Virgin Airlines are cancelling their flights to Phuket from Australia. It is (was) the only direct flight to HKT from PER - Thai Airways used to have a direct flight but have decided to go from PER to HKT with a BKK stopover.
Obviously the demand from Australia is waning, I wonder how much this has to do with the new Beach regulations brought in by the Thai Navy!
Posted by Farang Tourist on August 8, 2015 11:46
Editor Comment:
The Navy and the Army have cleared Phuket's beaches on orders from the National Council for Peace and Order, FT. These are not new regulations, just ones that are being enforced. Most Australians enjoy beaches that are clear and natural.