Aussie carrier Strategic Air to launch Phuket services

PHUKET: Australian carrier Strategic Airlines is preparing to launch non-stop direct flights to Phuket from Melbourne and Brisbane early next year, the Herald Sun has reported.

The full-service carrier will offer twice-weekly flights, Tuesday and Fridays, from Melbourne to Phuket starting from February 22, 2011.

The move follows Virgin Australia’s decision to end its Phuket service.

Strategic’s service will be operated by an Airbus A330 aircraft offering both business and economy classes.

“We believe there is a strong traffic base between Victoria and Thailand and we look forward to working with partners in tourism and industry to build our services over time,” Strategic Airlines’ commercial head Damien Vasta said.

The carrier has also announced a twice-weekly service to Phuket from Brisbane – on Thursday and Sundays – starting from February 24, 2011.

“We are thrilled to add Thailand to our network complementing our new twice-weekly Brisbane to Townsville and Bali services starting next month,” he added

Tickets will go on sale on November 24.