ASIA – A joint venture between Thai Airways and Singapore’s low-cost carrier, Tiger Airways, due to launch by the end of this year, is being delayed after opposition from the country’s transport ministry.
A difference of opinion between the airlines is also being blamed for the joint venture hiccup. As previously reported in EW, the Thai Tiger Airways (TTA) service was set to commence in January 2011 and fly to destinations within five hours flight time from its base at Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport, including Vietnam and Cambodia.
The date has since been moved to March 2011. Thai Airways’ chairman, Ampon Kittiampon, hinted it may be delayed by another two months and added both airlines were still working out the financial details.
Despite the fact that the joint venture received support from the Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vijjajiva, the transport ministry has questioned its legitimacy.
