Direct Intl. Flights for Visa Runs

[Coolhand]

Dragonair has announced that it would relaunch services to Phuket in Thailand. Flights will operate on a daily basis with A320 aircraft starting on December 15.

"We're delighted to be relaunching services to Phuket, a destination that we first flew to in December 1986. The flights will commence in time for the busy end-of-year holiday season," said Chief Executive Officer Kenny Tang.

"Following our integration with Cathay Pacific, and its ability to deliver overseas passengers to the Hong Kong hub, we now believe demand is at a level that can sustain a daily service. This is the first of a number of routing and product initiatives that will result from the synergies of the integration," Mr. Tang added.

The flight schedule, which is subject to government approval, is as follows:

Route Flight Departs Arrives Days

Hong Kong/Phuket KA212 14:45 17:25 D1/3/5

Phuket/Hong Kong KA213 18:10 22:50 D1/3/5


Hong Kong/Phuket KA212 08:50 11:30 D2/4/6/7

Phuket/Hong Kong KA213 12:20 17:10 D2/4/6/7

The schedule is designed to provide a variety of travel choices from Hong Kong and optimise the time travellers can spend in Phuket. In addition, it provides convenient connections for long-haul travellers, enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international hub.

"With Cathay Pacific's worldwide network to back us up we expect the flights to be popular with travellers from around the globe as well as in Hong Kong," said Mr. Tang.

Dragonair suspended flights to the tropical island in January 2005 after demand dropped dramatically following the Asian tsunami one month earlier.

OK so I have got my flights for Chrimbo now - the standard economy fare if HK$5,860, but no one pays that I am paying HK$3,924 including tax.