British Airways customers now have a wider choice of Southeast Asian holiday destinations, thanks to an increase in flights from London to Bangkok, and an expanded codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways.
The airline announced earlier this year that its direct route from London Gatwick to Bangkok will return on 28 October 2024, operating three times per week to the Thai capital. As of this week, the service will increase to up to five times per week between January and March 2025.
Furthermore, its existing codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways has been expanded to open up five new destinations across Thailand and Cambodia, allowing customers to connect seamlessly in Bangkok onto:
- Koh Samui
- Phuket
- Chiang Mai
- Phnom Penh
- Siem Reap
Customers will have the option to incorporate a stopover in Bangkok into their journey before continuing onto their final destination on the same ticket.
Bangkok Airways, known as Asia’s Boutique Airline, operates an extensive domestic network in Thailand, as well as to destinations across Cambodia, Hong Kong, the Maldives, Laos, and Singapore. It operates a fleet of more than 20 aircraft, each decorated in different liveries of its exotic destinations.
This agreement means British Airways customers travelling from or transiting through London will be able to connect to their final destination in Thailand or Cambodia on a single ticket. Customers can expect more choice and flexibility when travelling to one of these five popular holiday destinations.
Members of British Airways’ loyalty programme, the Executive Club, will also collect Avios and earn Tier Points when flying on Bangkok Airways on a British Airways codeshare journey. Avios is the programme’s currency, which can be used as part-payment towards Reward Flights or upgrades, as well as hotel stays, car hire and more. Tier Points help Members earn status to unlock benefits such as lounge access and free seat selection.
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: “In October, we will be operating our first direct flight to Thailand in more than four years, so it’s a highly anticipated return to our global network. Knowing that this route will be particularly popular with our leisure customers, we're pleased to be working with Bangkok Airways to offer more choice and make these sought-after holiday destinations more accessible.”
Mr. Chulin Kocharoen, Vice President - Network and Product Development of Bangkok Airways PLC commented: “We are pleased to expand this codeshare partnership with British Airways to strengthen our respective route networks and offer business and leisure travellers with unprecedented and convenient access to new gateways. Moreover, British Airways passengers traveling on Bangkok Airways flights will enjoy the boutique airline’s unparalleled services such as lounge access at available airports, in-flight meal and much more.”
Codeshare tickets are now available to book on www.ba.com, for travel from 28 October 2024 onwards. The existing partnership agreement offers codeshare travel between Singapore and Koh Samui for British Airways customers.
Expanding Southeast Asia Options
British Airways is expanding travel options for customers heading to Southeast Asia by increasing flights from London to Bangkok and enhancing its codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways. The airline will reinstate its direct route from London Gatwick to Bangkok starting on 28 October 2024, with flights initially operating three times a week. This frequency will rise to up to five times weekly between January and March 2025.
Seamless Connections to Popular Destinations
In addition to more flights, the expanded codeshare agreement with Bangkok Airways opens up five new destinations within Thailand and Cambodia. Travelers can now seamlessly connect through Bangkok to:
- Koh Samui
- Phuket
- Chiang Mai
- Phnom Penh
- Siem Reap
This partnership also offers the flexibility of incorporating a stopover in Bangkok before reaching their final destination, all under a single booking.
Asia’s Boutique Airline
Bangkok Airways, celebrated as Asia’s Boutique Airline, offers an extensive domestic network within Thailand and flights to various destinations in Cambodia, Hong Kong, the Maldives, Laos, and Singapore. With a fleet of over 20 aircraft, each adorned with unique liveries inspired by its exotic routes, the airline provides a distinctive travel experience.
Increased Choice and Flexibility
For British Airways customers, this collaboration allows seamless travel from London to their chosen destination in Thailand or Cambodia on a single ticket. This means more options and greater flexibility for travelers heading to these popular holiday spots.
Avios and Tier Points Benefits
Members of the British Airways Executive Club will benefit from this partnership as well, earning Avios and Tier Points on Bangkok Airways flights booked as part of a British Airways codeshare. Avios can be redeemed for Reward Flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and more, while Tier Points help members attain status levels that unlock perks like lounge access and free seat selection.
Expanding the Global Network
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: “In October, we will be operating our first direct flight to Thailand in more than four years, so it’s a highly anticipated return to our global network. Knowing that this route will be particularly popular with our leisure customers, we’re pleased to be working with Bangkok Airways to offer more choice and make these sought-after holiday destinations more accessible.”
Strengthening Route Networks
Mr. Chulin Kocharoen, Vice President – Network and Product Development of Bangkok Airways PLC commented: “We are pleased to expand this codeshare partnership with British Airways to strengthen our respective route networks and offer business and leisure travellers with unprecedented and convenient access to new gateways. Moreover, British Airways passengers traveling on Bangkok Airways flights will enjoy the boutique airline’s unparalleled services such as lounge access at available airports, in-flight meal and much more.”
Book Your Codeshare Tickets
Codeshare tickets are now available for booking on www.ba.com, with travel starting from 28 October 2024. This expanded partnership also continues to offer codeshare travel for British Airways customers between Singapore and Koh Samui, providing even more seamless travel options in Southeast Asia.
