Thai AirAsia X Launches Airbus A330 Direct Flights Between Bangkok & Sydney

After months of anticipation, Thai AirAsia X has operated its first flight between Bangkok Don Mueang International (DMK) in Thailand and Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) in Australia. The new route, which has arrived just in time for the Christmas rush, will enhance connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region, offering a low-cost option to passengers traveling between destinations in Thailand and Australia.

First flight in the books

As Simple Flying reported at the time, Thai AirAsia X ‘s plans to serve the route between Don Mueang and Sydney were unveiled this August, as part of a wider shift over from Bangkok’s other airport at Suvarnabhumi International (BKK). According to Flightradar24, the first service on the new corridor (numbered as XJ382) took to the skies at 17:34 yesterday, just 19 minutes after the scheduled time of 17:15.

Image: Flightradar24

After eight hours and 58 minutes in the air, the flight, operated by an Airbus A330-300 registered as HS-XTC, landed in Sydney at 06:32 this morning, 18 minutes ahead of its scheduled 06:50 arrival. The return flight (XJ383) also arrived punctually, taking off at 08:52 (scheduled 08:20) and landing nine hours and 14 minutes later at 14:06 (scheduled 14:15). Thai AirAsia X CEO Tassapon Bijleveld stated that:

“Guests from Australia will also find the flight schedules between Sydney and Bangkok very favorable, and they can choose from six flights per week. As a show of appreciation to our valued guests, we are also introducing a new meal set exclusively for our Premium Flatbed guests.”

Enhanced connectivity

The six flights a week alluded to by Bijleveld will operate every day apart from Tuesday (twice), Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the Bangkok-Sydney direction. Meanwhile, those returning to Thailand will fly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday (twice), and Saturday. The flight numbers and times used for the inaugural services will account for three rotations, spread across the following days:

• XJ382 Bangkok – Sydney: Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
• XJ383 Sydney – Bangkok: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Photo: KITTIKUN YOKSAP | Shutterstock

Meanwhile, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, in both directions, will see the use of flights XJ388 and XJ389. Thai AirAsia X flight XJ388 is scheduled to leave Bangkok at 07:00 and arrive in Sydney at 20:35. Traveling in the other direction, flight XJ389 is scheduled to leave Sydney at 21:50 and landing in Bangkok at 03:45 the next morning. This will open up connection opportunities, as Bijleveld notes:

“Operating from Don Mueang greatly enhances connectivity with the AirAsia Group’s extensive network, particularly to destinations in India, where there is a strong and growing demand for travel to Australia. Our Fly-Thru service also provides a hassle-free experience, allowing guests to travel seamlessly as they only need to clear immigration and collect their luggage at their final destination.”

Full-service competition

While Thai AirAsia X is the only carrier flying between Don Mueang and Sydney at present, it will face full-service competition from two airlines at the Thai capital’s neighboring Suvarnabhumi Airport. Indeed, both Qantas and Thai Airways serve Sydney from here, meaning that Thai AirAsia X will have to pull out all the stops. However, with low fares and easy connections, it is certainly an attractive prospect.

Source: Simple Flying