The public is broadly enthusiastic about the establishment of low-cost airlines, but wants to see more security measures…
The public is broadly enthusiastic about the establishment of low-cost airlines, but wants to see more security measures, according to a poll published recently.
The Suan Dusit Poll of 1,026 people living in Bangkok and the surrounding provinces, conducted as Orient Thai Airline launched the first ever domestic no-frills route between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, found opinions broadly in favour of low-cost airlines.
For 57 percent of the first group of 534 respondents who had travelled by plane in the past, and for 32 percent of the second group of 492 respondents who had never travelled by plane, the economical fares were the best thing about low-cost airlines.
Meanwhile, 31.4 percent of the first group and 44.1 percent of the second group said that low-cost airlines benefited low-income groups, while 11.4 percent of the first group and 23.5 percent of the second said that low-cost airlines provided publicity for Thailand`s tourism industry.
Interestingly, 63.55 percent of the respondents said that they would use the services of low-cost airlines, mainly due to the low cost and speed and convenience of travel.
Asked about their confidence in low-cost airlines in comparison with services offered by conventional airlines, 52.8 percent of the first group and 34.2 percent of the second group said that their confidence in both types of airline was equal.
However, a significant 32 percent of the first group and 54.2 percent of the second group remained sceptical, citing the lack of publicity.
Moreover, 53.1 percent of those surveyed voiced concerns over the safety and security measures employed by the new airlines.
At the same time, the respondents urged the new airlines to open up more new routes, both domestic and foreign, and offer services comparable to those of conventional airlines.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
