No-frills carrier AirAsia will begin flights to Phuket, one of Thailand's premier tourist destinations, from Dec 1, a senior official said today.

"AirAsia will fly to Phuket from Dec 1," AirAsia executive director Kamarudin Meranun told AFP .

AirAsia is expected to announce further details at a press conference later tonight on flight frequency, pricing and its regional plans.

Kamarudin had said yesterday AirAsia would fly to Bangkok by year-end while its recently established Thai joint venture will start domestic flights in January.

AirAsia has tied-up with Thai telecommunications giant Shin Corp to form the first no-frills carrier offering services in Thailand.

Three Boeing 737-300s

Shin Corp, controlled by Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's family, will hold a 51 percent stake in AirAsia Aviation, which will have an initial share capital of RM38 million (400 million baht).

AirAsia Aviation will commence its services with three Boeing 737-300s on routes linking Bangkok, Chaing Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Kon Kaen and Nakornrachasima.

The average fares offered for single trips would be 40-50 percent lower than other airlines, it said.

The alliance marked AirAsia's first regional foray after its establishment two years ago. It is also eyeing expansion in neighbouring Indonesia, Singapore and the southern coastal states of India.

AirAsia carried two million passengers within 18 months of operation and targets 3.2 million in 2003. - AFP