SET-listed Bangkok Airways (BA) has expanded its code-share partnership further by taking Kazakhstan's Air Astana on board.
Air Astana is the 19th partner of the 47-year-old Thai carrier, which has systematically adopted the code-share arrangement as a key strategy for growth for years.
The latest partnership will seamlessly enable passengers of Air Astana to connect with tourist destinations that are served by Bangkok Airways including Koh Samui, Phuket and Krabi.
Since Monday, Air Astana customers have been able to book these code-share services at Air Astana's ticket office and vice versa.
The accord with Air Astana came less than a month after Bangkok Airways activated a partnership with Emirates.
Bangkok Airways has continued to discuss with international airlines joining its code-share league, which includes Etihad, SilkAir, Malaysia Airlines, Air France, KLM, Eva Air, Qantas and Japan Airlines.
Air Astana president Peter Foster said the code-share agreement with Bangkok Airways would significantly enhance links between Southeast Asia and Central Asia.
The Kazakh airline operates a network of over 60 international and domestic routes from hubs in Almaty and Astana.
It also operates regular flights from Kazakhstan to Bangkok.
Its fleet consists of 30 Western-made aeroplanes, which include Boeing 767-300ERs, Boeing 757-200s, Airbus A320s and Embraer E190s.
Bangkok Airways currently serves 11 destinations in Thailand and 11 cities in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Laos, Malaysia, the Maldives and Myanmar as well as Hong Kong and Singapore.
Currently, Bangkok Airways has a total of 29 aeroplanes, comprising 10 ATR72-500/600 turboprops and 19 Airbus A319s/A320s.
BA shares closed yesterday on the SET at 20.40 baht, up 30 satang, in trade worth 62.6 million baht.