Low-cost carriers eye Thai airports

Low-cost carriers (LCCs) are expected to increase their passenger traffic through Thailand by 18% to 24 million next year before topping 31 million in 2015, according to a new analysis by the Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch). The projections are based on four key drivers _ growth in tourism, marketing offensives by airlines, flight connections in Southeast Asia and the growth of emerging Asian economies. KResearch, a unit of Kasikornbank, expects no-frills airlines to carry 23-24 million passengers through the country's six major airports in fiscal 2013 starting this past Oct 1. Some 20.3 million were recorded in fiscal 2102, up by 15.3%. For the new fiscal year, LCCs are projected to operate 175,000 to 180,000 flights, up from 152,800 in the year just ended. A KResearch analyst yesterday said the numbers of LCC passengers could represent 35% of the 89 million passengers projected to pass through Thailand's six major airports operated by Airports of Thailand Plc in 2015 including Suvarnabhumi. The share of LCCs in the country's total passenger market has leaped over the past three years, accounting for 28% in the previous fiscal year. The rapid market penetration of LCCs has been driven by steady growth of Thailand's in-bound tourism, with holidaymakers accounting for 92% of international arrivals and business travellers the rest. Their growth has also spurred the entry of new no-frills players, an increase in flight frequencies and the opening of new routes. Some of the new routes are not offered by full-service airlines, the KResearch report pointed out. The upcoming Asean Economic Community has created incremental demand for air links within the region, offering more opportunities for LCCs, especially discount air travel. Emerging Asian economies will also increase air travel in the region in the process, offering an impetus for LCCs.