I joined their inaugural flight on Sunday 27th October to fly Bangkok to Krabi and return for the day. It seems as if Thai International have a monopoly on the use of jet ways at Bangkok International Airport and that all other domestic airlines have to park their aircraft on remote stands and coach their passengers to and from the terminal. We were flying on the newest of the three Boeing’s in the fleet that in the118 all economy configuration. Before departing from Bangkok the Captain introduced the Flight Purser. Then the entire cabin crew line about at the front of the cabin and were introduced one by one to the passengers. As their names where announced they waived to the passengers.

Once in the sky and having passed through an area of turbulence the crew cabin through the cabin giving out a snack box with a slice of quiche and a Danish pastry. More substantial than that offered on Thai but not quite as nice as that offered by Bangkok Airways. Soft drinks were served but no hot tea or coffee, nor alcoholic beverages. Domestic sectors in Thailand are relatively short so there is little time for anything spectacular. The flight of one hour and ten minutes was pleasant. The crew was polite and friendly and the aircraft clean and well presented.

What was missing? There was neither in-flight magazine not complimentary newspapers but overall for a new airline the service was very professional, we took of on time and the Captain gave us a nice ride.

As we toured the area in the afternoon it was very clear that Krabi is set to become one of the choice beach destinations in Thailand. Having tried to go it alone The Rayavadee, once managed by Dusit is now under the management of Sheraton with an additional Sheraton Krabi due to open before the end of the year. The sea has the great colours of aquamarine and magenta, the beaches are nice but don’t have brilliant white sand.

Phuket Air is offering fares slightly lower than Thai international, round trip Business class 5,990 baht, standard economy 4,690baht. They also have a restricted economy at 3,790 baht, booked and paid for at least 7 days in advance, not valid for travel on Sundays and Public Holidays valid for a maximum of 30 days. This fare is non refundable, non reroutable and non endorsable.

Flights depart daily from Bangkok 7.50am arriving into Krabi at 9.10am. The return flight leaves Krabi at 10.35am touching down in Bangkok at 11.55

Phuket Airlines Co., Ltd., 1168/71 25th A Floor, Lumpini Tower, Bangkok 10120, Tel (66) 0-2287-3031-4, Fax (66) 0-2679-8236 (www.phuketairlines.com)