FD/DD/TG*/PG/OX | Thailand-Based Carriers

[Mac_A380]

Originally Posted by daloso

AQre they planing to fly to latin america??

No, only plan to fly to Sao Paulo via Johannesburg.

[daloso]

Well,that's a good start,they have to think about a route from LAX to Mexico City then to BKK

[Serm]

After a nearly nine-hour meeting with the European firm, Thai Airways says that Airbus has offered discounts on the purchase of eight mid-sized A330 jetliners as "compensation" for a two-year delay in delivering six A380 superjumbos already ordered by the airline.

Airline chairman Chalit Pukbhasuk said THAI will order four A330 aircraft from Airbus at reduced prices, as compensation for the late delivery of the Airbus A380 superjumbo.

This firm order will also have an option for four more planes.

Negotiations were set to continue on Friday, and any decision taken by the board would be submitted to Thailand's cabinet for approval, he said.

"We haven't ruled out the possibility of cancellation (of the order for superjumbos) if the result is not satisfactory," Chalit said.

Airbus has offered discounts of US$10 million per plane for an order of eight A330s, with an option for four more, which brings the price per plane to US$90 million, he said.

Thai Airways president Apinan Sumanaseni said the negotiations were now centred on a timetable for delivering the mid-sized aircraft.

"We expect to reach a conclusion tomorrow (Friday)," Apinan said late on Thursday.

If Thai Airways orders the A330s, they would be used to upgrade the existing fleet, he said. Three of Thai's planes were already over 20 years old, and the airline planned to replace 24 of its aircraft in the next five years, he added.

The new planes would be used primarily on regional routes, Apinan said.

Thai Airways has been negotiating with Airbus over a deal to provide compensation on its existing order of six A380s, after delivery was delayed by two years.

Airbus apologised to Thai Airways for delivery delays, but the flag carrier threatened to cancel its order if compensation and fines were not agreed.

Thai Airways originally ordered six of the A380s, with all now rescheduled for delivery in 2011, delayed from the original delivery date of 2009.

The airline is counting on the A380 superjumbo to fly to Paris, London and Frankfurt, as congestion at those airports means they cannot increase the frequency of flights.

The world's largest commercial aircraft has been plagued with production delays which led US freight company FedEx to cancel an order for the plane in November.

BangkokPost.com from reports http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstorie....php?id=116308

[Skyprince]

I think Thai should commence a new service to Cape Town too .
Thai and Singapore have really beaten Malaysia as the most successful and profitable airlines in SEA

[Termsap]

Originally Posted by daloso

AQre they planing to fly to latin america??

I don't think because there aren't many people go there.

[Mac_A380]

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited was recently awarded “Best Trans-Pacific Airline Award 2006” by Global Traveler magazine, for the third consecutive year, as a result of an annual reader survey featured in the magazine from February to August 2006.



Mr. Wit Kitchathorn, THAI’s General Manager for North-Eastern U.S.A., said “For THAI to be recognized by Global Traveler three years in a row is a great honor. It reflects the consistent level of comfort and service that THAI offers passengers, which is why the company is amongst the world’s leading air carriers. For U.S. travelers headed to Asia, THAI offers the fastest non-stop service to Southeast Asia and also the fastest connections to India. Furthermore, THAI recently expanded its services from the U.S. to reflect growing demand in the U.S. market.”



Global Traveler conducted its third annual survey of its readers from February 1 to August 31, 2006, with open-ended questions for the best in 42 categories of business and luxury travel. A total of 13,653 readers completed questionnaires, based on a survey conducted as a six-page insert in subscriber copies of the magazine and online through the Global Traveler website.



THAI operates to two destinations in the United States: Los Angeles and New York City. THAI operates on the route Bangkok – Los Angeles v.v. five times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, utilizing Airbus A340-500 aircraft. Furthermore, THAI operates on the route Bangkok – New York City v.v. five times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, utilizing Airbus A340-500 aircraft.

http://www.thaiairways.com/About_Tha...7/press005.htm

[Mac_A380]

Today (1 February 2007), Thai Airways International Public Company Limited and All Nippon Airways signed an Aircraft Maintenance General Terms Agreement to conduct heavy maintenance on ANA’s Boeing 747-400 aircraft, at a signing ceremony that took place at THAI’s Aircraft Maintenance Center located at Suvarnabhumi Airport.



Mr. Tummasak Chutiwong, THAI’s Managing Director for Technical Services, said that in addition to THAI and ANA’s close relations through membership in Star Alliance, this agreement signifies the first step towards enhancing the two carriers’ relationship and friendship, particularly in the area of technical services. Furthermore, he said that THAI is proud to provide technical services to ANA as a customer airline, where experiences may be shared in supporting one another’s businesses.



Mr. Michihide Kono, ANA’s Vice President, Engineering & Maintenance, said that ANA is pleased to have chosen THAI’s Technical Services unit to conduct aircraft maintenance on its Boeing 747-400 aircraft. In addition, he said that ANA was pleased to have received a rapid response from THAI to propose a package deal to conduct maintenance service. He further said that this agreement furthers ANA’s friendly relationship with THAI.



The Aircraft Maintenance General Terms Agreement between THAI and ANA is subsequent to the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two carriers on the 13 November 2006 for intention to work on ANA’s Boeing 747-400 aircraft maintenance. The program lasts for nearly two years, with maintenance for 11 Boeing 747-400 aircraft during the period March 2007 to August 2008. Five aircraft will undergo maintenance in year 2007, with maintenance on the remaining six aircraft to be completed in year 2008.



Based on the terms of the Aircraft Maintenance General Terms Agreement between THAI and ANA, maintenance on each respective aircraft will take approximately 18,000 man-hours of 30 days ground time.

http://www.thaiairways.com/About_Tha...7/press021.htm

[Mac_A380]

On 14 February 2007, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited held a Board of Directors’ Meeting, chaired by Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukbhasuk, THAI’s Chairman, at THAI’s Head Office, with the following results:


1. Postponed Delivery of THAI’s A380-800 Aircraft

THAI’s Board of Directors approved of the postponement of the company’s 6 Airbus A380-800 aircraft, with delayed delivery from Airbus S.A.S. by approximately 21 months. The postponed delivery was taken under careful consideration following a total of 9 meetings held by the company’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors. It was concluded that it remained necessary for the company to use the Airbus A380-800 along-range aircraft type with a seat capacity of 519 seats, in order to increase its productivity on routes with high passenger traffic and restraints in increasing flight frequencies, such as London, Frankfurt, and Paris.



As a result, Airbus proposed compensation for losses and granted various perks beneficial to the company. The company’s first Airbus A380-800 will be delivered to THAI in September 2010.



2. New Aircraft to Replace Those to be Retired

THAI’s Board of Directors approved of the intent to purchase 8 new Airbus A330-300 aircraft, replacing 8 aircraft of the average age of 20 years that will be retired from the company’s fleet: 6 Airbus A300-600 aircraft and 2 Boeing 747-300 aircraft. THAI’s Board of Directors have considered and compared cost-effective operations. Upon consideration of the new aircrafts’ regional and operational performance, compared to the aircraft type that will be retired, it was concluded that the mid-range Airbus A330-300 was appropriate and most beneficial to the company. In addition, the company received a price reduction for Airbus A330-300 aircraft from Airbus S.A.S.



The first Airbus A330-300 aircraft will be delivered to the company in year 2008, with gradual delivery through until year 2010.



3. Sale of 2 Airbus A300-600 Aircraft

THAI’s Board of Directors approved of the sale of 2 Airbus A300-600 aircraft, whereby the first aircraft will be delivered in March 2007 and the second aircraft will be delivered in June 2007.



4. HSBC as Arranger for Financial Lease of Airbus A340-500 no.4

THAI’s Board of Directors approved of HSBC as the arranger for long-term financial lease of the company’s Airbus A340-500 no.4 in Euro currency, equivalent to 106.25 U.S. Dollars, for a financial term of 12 years.



5. Exercise Purchase Option for Boeing 747-400 no. 11

THAI’s Board of Directors approved to exercise the purchase option at the end of the lease term for the company’s Boeing 747-400 no. 11, which the company had leased since April 1997, the lease contract of which will end in April 2008, with an aircraft age of 11 years upon the end of contract.

http://www.thaiairways.com/About_Tha...7/press029.htm

[Mac_A380]

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited announced the official opening of its Royal Silk Lounge at Krabi International Airport, in the province of Krabi, which is renown for environmental tourism and as a center for the country’s agriculture industry.



Flg. Off. Apinan Sumanaseni, THAI’s President, said “THAI always places high importance on providing services to passengers that extend maximum convenience and greater comfort. With the introduction of THAI’s Royal Silk Lounge at Krabi International Airport, passengers can enjoy the facilities, products, and services offered in the lounge, where they can relax or work, based on their travel requirements.”



THAI’s Royal Silk Lounge at Krabi International Airport is located in an area of 257 square meters, facilitates 70 passengers at one time. This passenger lounge consists of 2 rooms, with services such as an automatic massage sofa, two 42 inch LCD televisions, seven stereos and sound equipment, a passenger luggage rack and carry-on baggage holding area, three internet service units with WIFI service offered in the future, snacks and beverages based on the standards of THAI’s passenger lounges at Bangkok International Airport, and check-in services in the passenger lounge for those traveling without checked baggage.



THAI’s Royal Silk Lounge at Krabi International Airport is open for service to passengers traveling in Royal Silk Class, THAI Royal Orchid Plus Gold Card members, Star Alliance Gold Card members, gold card members of THAI’s customer airlines, and passengers of all airlines with a contract to use THAI’s passenger lounge services.



THAI began operating domestic flights to Krabi on 10 July 1999 at 3 flights per week. As of 26 March 2006, Krabi International Airport began operating international flights, due to increasing demand from passengers flying to and from Krabi at 1,027,027 people per year. In support of Krabi tourism, THAI increased its flight to 32 flights per week, facilitated passengers in the customs and immigrations procedure, and provided full services to customer airlines.

http://www.thaiairways.com/About_Tha...7/press035.htm

[Mac_A380]

On 14th March 2007, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited held a Board of Directors’ Meeting, chaired by Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukbhasuk, THAI’s Chairman, at THAI’s Head Office, with the following results:


1. Improving Productivity of Heavy Maintenance Department



THAI’s Board of Directors approved 200 new positions to recruit more staff for heavy maintenance department, which would help improve efficiency in aircraft maintenance. The Board also approved a purchase of additional maintenance equipment at a budget cost of 550 million baht.



2. Implementation of Computer Backup Center

THAI’s Board of Directors approved implementing computer backup center to help reduce risk of having single computer center and ensure continual flow of information. With the budget of 800 millions bath, THAI will hire a computer professional company on a 5 year contract focusing on enhancing THAI’s competitive advantage and providing maximum benefits for the company.

3. Operations at Don Muang Airport

Effective From 25th March 2007, THAI will begin its domestic flight operations at Don Muang, offering 30 flights per day. Furthermore, THAI will also set up a Customer Service Center or In-Town Check-In in order to provide traveling convenience for passengers at Ladprao train station (Mass Rapid Transportation), where customer are able to check-in 2.30 hours prior to flight departure.

http://www.thaiairways.com/About_Tha...7/press053.htm

[Mac_A380]

Today, 20th March 2007, Flg. Off. Apinan Sumanaseni, President, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, presided over a press conference to announce the airline’s operation at Don Muang Airport starting from 25 March 2007 onwards.


Flg. Off. Apinan Sumanseni, THAI’s President, said that the domestic operations at Don Muang Airport (DMK) would increase more convenience to the customers traveling domestic flights without connection totaling at 30 daily flights whereas flights with connections to international destinations which are Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket and Krabi will be operated at Suvarnahbumi Airport (BKK) totaling at 11 flights a day.



At Don Muang Airport, THAI will operate full services as follows:



Departure: Check-in at Domestic Terminal, second floor
Check-in counter number 15 – 26

Arrival: Domestic Terminal, first floor
Lounges: For Royal Silk Class Passengers only


Information regarding ticketing, passengers may call 0 2535 4299



Flight operations at Don Muang Airport will be numbered 4 digits starting with 1 (TG 1xxx) such as TG 1203 and those operated at Suvarnabhumi Airport will be numbered 3 digits.



In addition, THAI will open THAI City Air Terminal, located on the first floor, parking area of Lad Prao Metro Station. Passengers may pre-check-in the luggage for 3 hours prior to flight departure. The services also include shuttle bus service between Lad Prao Metro Station and Don Muang Airport. The service links transportation facilities between Bangkok Metor, BTS and THAI’s flights. The services, including domestic flights check-in and shuttle bus, will be available during 04.00 – 20.00 hours. Furthermore, passengers without luggage can pre-check-in 1 day before flight departure.



In this regards, on 25th March 2007, the first flight operated at Don Muang Airport will be TG 1020, Don Muang-Ubon Ratchathani, departing at 06.00 hours and arriving at 07.05 hours, utilizing Boeing 737-400 aircraft. The first flight to Don Muang Airport will be TG 1161, Phitsanulok – Don Muang, departing at 07.40 hours and arriving at 08.25 hours, utilizing Boeing 737-400 aircraft.



Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited will provide special-price transportation services between Don Muang and Suvarnahbumi Airport which are Airport bus, Taxi, Limousine.



For more information regarding flight schedule, please contact 0 2356 1111 for 24 hours a day.

Flight Schedule Domestic Services at Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi Airports

http://www.thaiairways.com/About_Tha...7/press044.htm

[Mac_A380]

THAI Reports on Passenger Services on the first day of operations at Don Mueang Airport Issue 1

Today 25 March, at 10.00 hrs., at Don Mueang Airport, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited reported that services provided to passengers flying departure and arrival domestic flights were conducted satisfactorily.



Flg. Off. Apinan Sumanaseni, President of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, said that the company provided passenger services for its domestic flights at Don Mueang Airport beginning with the first flight at 06.00 hrs. through until 10.00 hrs., details as follows:



First departing flight TG1020 routed Don Mueang – Ubon Ratchathani, with 109 passengers
Second departing flight TG1160 routed Don Mueang – Phitsanulok, with 90 passengers
Third departing flight TG1231 routed Don Mueang – Hat Yai, with 140 passengers
Fourth departing flight TG1002 routed Don Mueang – Udon Thani, with 41 passengers
Fifth departing flight TG1203 routed Don Mueang – Phuket, with 76 passengers
Sixth departing flight TG1106 routed Don Mueang – Chiang Mai, with 48 passengers
Seventh departing flight TG1040 routed Don Mueang – Khon Kaen, with 119 passengers
Eighth departing flight TG1253 routed Don Mueang – Surat Thani, with 78 passengers
Ninth departing flight TG 1241 routed Don Mueang – Krabi, with 57 passengers
The total number of passengers that flew departure flights from Don Mueang Airport was 758 passengers.



First arriving flight TG1161 routed Phitsanulok – Don Mueang, with 77 passengers
Second arriving flight TG1021 routed Ubon Ratchathani – Don Mueang, with 125 passengers
Third arriving flight TG1003 routed Udon Thani – Don Mueang, with 71 passengers
The total number of passenger that flew arrival flights to Don Mueang Airport was 273 passengers.



A total of 1,031 passengers traveling departure and arrival domestic flights used Don Mueang Airport during the morning.

Flight Schedule Domestic Services at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airports

http://www.thaiairways.com/About_Tha...7/press058.htm

[Mac_A380]

Today 25 March, at 17.00 hrs., Don Mueang Airport, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited reported that services provided to passengers flying departure and arrival domestic flights were conducted satisfactorily.

Flg. Off. Apinan Sumanaseni, President of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, said that the company provided passenger services for its domestic flights at Don Mueang AirportDon Don Mueang AirportMueang Airport beginning with the first flight at 06.00 hrs. through until 16.00 hrs. with a total number of 33 flights. The total number of 19 departure flights were carrying 2,165 passengers. And the total number of 14 arrival flights were carrying 1,891 passengers. Altogether there were total of 4,056 passengers traveling departure and arrival domestic flights used Don Mueang AirportDon Don Mueang AirportMueang Airport.

There were 71 passengers traveling from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport for their connecting flights which THAI provided transfer.

During the initial stage of service provision, the company will arrange additional flights to accommodate passengers’ demand. Today, four additional flights were arranged for passengers arriving from international flights, from Don Mueang Airport Suvarnabhumi Airport to destinations Phuket, and Chiang Mai, as follows:



Suvarnabhumi – Phuket, at 3 flights, TG8770 departs at 09.00 hrs., TG8764 departs at 19.00 hrs., TG225 departs at 21.45 hrs.
Suvarnabhumi – Chiang Mai, at 1 flight, TG110 departs at 12.45 hrs.
In addition, THAI opens THAI City Air Terminal, providing check-in service for passengers traveling from Don Mueang airport. The services include shuttle bus transportation between Lad Prao MRT Station – Don Mueang airport which passengers have to identify the boarding pass or traveling documents. The transportation, located at domestic arriving area, 1st floor, Don Mueang AirportDon Mueang Airport, depart every 30 minutes until midnight.

Domestic flights operated to and from Don Mueang Airport with 4-digits beginning with number “ 1” (1xxx), i.e. TG1203; flights to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport continue to use 3-digits, i.e. TG201.


For further information, passengers may contact call center at 0-2356-1111, 24 hours a day.

Flight Schedule Domestic Services at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airports

http://www.thaiairways.com/About_Tha...7/press059.htm

[Mac_A380]

THAI Reports on Passenger Services on the first day of operations at Don Mueang Airport Issue 3

Today (26 March 2007) at 11.00 hrs., Don Mueang Airport, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited reported that over 8,000 passengers departed and arrived at Don Mueang Airport on THAI’s flights between 06.00 – 24.00 hrs. on 25 March 2007 and a satisfactory number of passengers traveling departure and arrival domestic flights used Don Mueang Airport during the morning.

Flg. Off. Apinan Sumanaseni, President of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, said that on the first day of the company’s passenger services of domestic flights at Don Mueang Airport on 25 March 2007 between 06.00 – 24.00 hrs., THAI operated a total number of 30 flights carrying a total of 8,212 passengers including 4,380 departure passengers and 3,832 arrival passengers.

There were 71 passengers traveling from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport for their connecting flights which THAI provided transfer.

Today, from 06.00 hrs. through until 09.35 hrs., THAI operated a total of 12 number of flights, out of which four arrival flights were carrying 419 passengers and eight departure flights were carrying 1,320 passengers. Therefore, it can be calculated that there are approximately 80 per cent of passengers using THAI’s services when compared to the number of overall seats available.

In addition, THAI opens THAI **** Air Terminal, providing check-in service for passengers traveling from Don Mueang airport. The services include shuttle bus transportation between Lad Prao MRT Station – Don Mueang airport which passengers have to identify the boarding pass or traveling documents. The transportation, located at domestic arriving area, 1st floor, Don Mueang Airport, depart every 30 minutes until midnight.

For further information, passengers may contact call center at 0-2356-1111, 24 hours a day

Flight Schedule Domestic Services at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airports

http://www.thaiairways.com/About_Tha...7/press062.htm

[Mac_A380]

THAI, Banyan Tree and American Express Launch ROH Package: “Lijiang Great Escapes: A Passage to Shangri-La”

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited together with Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts and American Express jointly held a launching ceremony of THAI’s latest ROH package: “Lijiang Great Escapes: A Passage to Shangri-La”. The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Teerapol Chotichanapibal, THAI’s Vice President, Sales and Distribution, Mr. Edwin Yeow, Managing Director for Marketing, Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts and Mr. Christopher Paul, Vice President for Establishment Services International and Consumer Card, American Express. Also present at the ceremony were Mr. Serm Phenjati, THAI’s Director of Royal Orchid Holidays, Mr. Desmond Tan, Director of Sales-Yunnan, Bayan Tree Hotels and Resorts, Mr. Anakkawat Kowathanakul, Vice President, Consumer Card, American Express and Miss Angela Srisomwongwattana, a professional photographer who shared her experience on the journey to Lijiang to the guests.



Mr. Teerapol Chotichanapibal, THAI’s Vice President, Sales and Distribution, said that THAI’s ROH package offers the most convenient and enjoyable trip, including air ticket and accommodation in leading hotels with special price, to the customers who travel to THAI’s destinations both in Thailand abroad.



With the continuous service to the customers, THAI has always upgraded the quality travel package with our business alliances who, with THAI, can jointly offer premium promotion to the customers. THAI, consequently, joins with Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts and American Express offering the special promotional ROH package to Yunnan: “Lijiang Great Escapaes: A Passage to Shangri-La”. The package is also in response to the campaign “Greater Mekhong Sub-region” promoting destinations in the region especially THAI’s route to Kunming with only 2-hour flying time. Then, customers may select one of the two packages to experience the historic towns of Yunnan province which are:

1. Lijiang Banyan Tree 3 Days 2 Nights Package (36,520 baht)

Lijiang, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is in recognition of its remarkable ************. It is the ancient home of the “Naxi” people and a gate way to the Tibetan civilization.

The package includes:

*Return air tickets for **Bangkok/Chiang Mai – Kunming – Lijiang
Daily breakfast for 2
1 afternoon tea per stay
1 set dinner for 2 per stay
Complimentary Head & Shoulder Massage for 30 minutes
2. Lijiang & Ringha Banyan Tree 5 Days 4 Nights Package (61,965 baht)
Ringha, the peaceful and harmony village, is called as Shangri-La “Heaven on Earth” and situates the biggest temple in Yunnan.
The package includes:

*Air tickets for **Bangkok/Chiang Mai – Kunming – Lijiang and Ringha – Kunming – Bangkok/Chiang Mai
Land transportation for Lijiang – Ringha
Daily breakfast for 2
1 afternoon tea per stay at Banyan Tree Lijiang
1 set dinner for 2 per stay at Banyan Tree Ringha
1 bottle of wine per stay
Complimentary Head & Shoulder Massage for 30 minutes
* Customers receive the ROP mileage points from the air tickets
** With the ROH packages, customers may select either to depart from Bangkok or from Chiang Mai to Kunming.

On this occasion, customers who purchase the packages with American Express Card will receive 7% discount for Economy Class ticket and 10% discount for Royal Silk Class ticket.

Currently, THAI operates 60 flights per week to six destinations to the Republic of China which are Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Kunming, Guangzhou and Xiamen offering with THAI’s ROH packages.

For more information, customers may contact THAI’s Euarng Luang agent or THAI’s Euarng Luang, Tel. 0 2628 2456-7. Group travelers may call 0 2288 7155, 0 2288 7159 or 0 2356 1111.

http://www.thaiairways.com/About_Tha...7/press065.htm

[Zoowatch]

this the new Thai Airways safety demonstration video

very soothing and finally something worth watching to kill your time before take off.

credit goes to Talentedtitle who has uploaded this video to YouTube

link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3qUxyQ1Krc

[Mac_A380]

[oz.fil]

Originally Posted by Mac_A380

No, only plan to fly to Sao Paulo via Johannesburg.

ehem... sao paulo is in latin america?

thai looks great... but how come the advertisements dont show any thai passengers being served? only shows them serving non-thai ppl.... even that asian guy in the pic looks chinese not thai..

[OshHisham]

the 1st class seating looks great...but why business class seating not flat?

[samsonyuen]

Do you think they'll ever fly to Toronto or Vancouver?