Travel news forum

The BP reports that Phuket and Hat Yai are set to be served by new airline Happy Air. The Phuket-Hat Yai service will launch Oct 26, with a travel time of 40 minutes -- a drastic cut on the current seven-hour bus trip otherwise required. Happy Air is positioning itself as a premium-service airline targetting tourists and business travellers. The airline also plans to fly to the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi. The Phuket-based airline would operate two twin turboprop SAAB 340A aircraft, with 34 seats, leased from a Swedish company. Happy Air will offer daily flights between Phuket and Hat Yai and three times a week between Phuket and Langkawi. The Phuket-Langkawi flights will also begin in late October.

Sounds like a handy route for backpackers. Let's see how long this airline is around -- the story does not mention who owns it or is backing it.