Bangkok: The Ministry of Transport is in discussions with Thai Vietjet regarding the expansion of its fleet and international routes, while continuing the Sky Connect program.

According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, met with representatives from Thai Vietjet Air Joint Stock Company Limited to discuss strategies for the airline's operational growth on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. The discussions included plans for expanding the airline fleet, establishing international routes, and promoting Thai tourism. The main goals are to increase travel options, attract foreign tourists, and spread travel-related income from larger cities to smaller communities.

Thai Vietjet aims to expand its fleet by adding more Boeing 737 aircraft, targeting a total of 25 aircraft by the end of 2026 and 50 within the next two years to support its route expansion. The airline is focusing on attracting tourists from China, Vietnam, Japan, Russia, and Kazakhstan. Additionally, Mr. Pipat proposed exploring the feasibility of opening routes to Medan, Indonesia, to connect with southern Thailand, enhancing medical tourism opportunities in Hat Yai, Songkhla province, known for its advanced hospitals.

Negotiations are underway for a code-share partnership with Ezy Airlines to connect the Hat Yai - Betong and Hat Yai - Phuket routes. Thai Vietjet has also launched the Sky Connect project to ease travel from secondary cities to international destinations, offering check-in and check-through baggage services. This service is currently available at Udon Thani Airport, with plans to expand to Khon Kaen and Hat Yai airports in the near future.