ArkeFly not to Thailand after all
Contrary to previously planned, ArkeFly will not fly to next summer Thailand, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. A spokeswoman for TUI Netherlands confirms this Luchtvaartnieuws.nl.
Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand and Malé in the Maldives would be added as new destinations to ArkeFly's offer this summer.
TUI Netherlands does not think it is the right time to market these new destinations due to disappointing booking figures and low consumer confidence, says spokeswoman Simone van den Berk of the travel group.
By the way, no adjustment is necessary from a delay. “If economic conditions allow, we will start up the new routes in the next winter season,” says Van den Berk. A decision on this is not expected until the course of the summer season.
Also, the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, which was introduced this winter season, will not return in the summer season. Colombo would be flown in combination with Malé. It was previously announced that ArkeFly would cease operations to Puerto Vallarta (Mexico).
Customers who had already booked ArkeFly tickets will receive a refund. Travel organizations Arke and Holland International still offer package holidays to Thailand, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. You will then be flown with another airline.
That's a good thing, imagine all those clapping 'Benidorm' passengers when the plane has landed, I say jokingly and farcically with great emphasis.
Although for a favorable rate, the 'ons bent zunige' Dutchman will be willing to tolerate that blowing, including myself.
Last week I took a look at the Arke Fly site.
Very limited number of flight dates and hardly any service (1 meal and 1 non-alcoholic drink, entertainment system for a fee) in the cheapest class from about 850.- euros.
Not surprising that few people book then.
From now on, check the internet first before you put such a product on the market.
Indeed, from a marketing point of view, this was not a smart move. Why pay relatively much when you fly with other airlines with better aircraft and are better cared for on board?
Do you know that joke about those people who wanted to fly to Bangkok with ArkeFly? Fill in yourself…
That is not exactly a budget price.
Have been flying for many years using different airlines and have always lost around € 700 with small outliers downwards as well as upwards.
I also understood that ArkeFly had the intention to arrive at Schiphol at midnight, for some it will be favorable for me rather not.