Arkia’s new direct route to Bangkok took off early Thursday. At the same time, the airline announced that in July it will launch a route to Phuket.
After a brief ceremony attended by Thailand's Ambassador to Israel, Boonyarit Vichienpuntu, Arkia’s first flight to the Thai capital departed shortly after midnight. The new route includes two weekly flights on Mondays and Wednesdays, shifting in May to Sundays and Thursdays.
Flight time from Ben Gurion Airport to Bangkok is about ten hours and 45 minutes. Flights to Phuket, which begin in July, will operate on Tuesdays.
Until now, El Al had been the only airline offering direct flights between Israel and Thailand, allowing it to charge higher prices. A search conducted by the publication found round-trip tickets for December starting at $1,278, including checked baggage and a carry-on. January fares start at $1,193.
Arkia’s flights are cheaper, starting at $499 each way, including baggage and a carry-on, i.e., $998 round trip. A one-way business-class ticket with Arkia starts at $1,499. The new competition could push El Al’s prices down as well.
Arkia said the new flights will be operated with leased, wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft staffed by Israeli crews. The planes feature three cabins: economy, economy plus and a premium business class with lie-flat 180-degree seats that extend to a 2-meter bed, expanded baggage allowance, personal amenity kits, full VIP service and a premium dining menu designed to offer an upgraded, luxury experience.
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The launch of Arkia’s Bangkok route. Meital Dahan, chief operating officer; Sapir Ifergan, business and trade director; Thailand’s ambassador to Israel, Boonyarit Vichienpuntu; and Einat Yunger Carmeli, VP marketing
(Photo: Guy Baron)
“Arkia is returning to Thailand, marking our renewed presence in the East,” CEO Oz Berlowitz said. “Flying to Thailand is an integral part of our strategic plan to expand long-haul operations and strengthen our position as a leading international airline.
"Over the past year we opened new destinations, brought in wide-body aircraft, launched a premium business cabin and raised service standards across all classes.
"The Bangkok and Hanoi routes join New York and Sri Lanka and reflect Arkia’s strong growth momentum. We will continue working to expand our destination map and provide Israeli travelers with real competition along with excellent service."