Testing times for Thai incentives industry after Phuket air crash

At the time of press, the cause of the accident remains unclear as the black box is currently
under examination.

However a combination of appalling weather conditions, pilot error and an old aircraft
are emerging as possible explanations for the crash.

To date there have been no flight cancellations into Phuket Airport, of either low-cost,
charter or scheduled aircraft, including One-To-Go, to the relief of the business events industry.

“Obviously a tragedy of this nature is very saddening,” said Diethelm Events executive
manager David Barrett.

He added: “However, this has absolutely no impact on business events to Thailand.”
One-Two-Go is one of Thailand’s first low-cost carriers (LCCs).

It was set up in December 2003 as a subsidiary of Orient Thai Airways, and services
domestic routes.

The safety of LCCs has come under increasing scrutiny as a result of the accident, but the
lack of cancellations will ease some of the attention.

LCCs are increasingly being used by companies around the region, and that is expected
to grow.

Pacific World Thailand Vietnam and Cambodia business development manager, Bert
Chamrernnusit, said he had noticed an increase in the number of corporate groups
from countries such as Malaysia and Singapore.

India is another market that is using LCCs, with 300 delegates from SabMiller India recently flying to Phuket.