Overview
Established in 1957, Thai Airways International commenced operations three years after, on May 1, 1960, to be more specific. The airline’s primary hub is based at the Suvarnabhumi Airport and its focus cities include Phuket International Airport and Chiang Mai International Airport. Being a member of Star Alliance, the Royal Orchid Plus is the airline’s frequent flyer program. Its member lounges include the Royal First Lounge, the Royal Silk Lounge, the Royal Orchid Spa, and the Royal Orchid Lounge. With a fleet size of approximately 89 aircraft units flying to over 70 destinations worldwide, Thai Airways International operates under its parent company, Thai Ministry of Finance. The company slogan of the airline is, “Smooth as Silk”.
Company Profile
Thai Airways International Public Company Ltd. is actually Thailand’s very own national air carrier. It is also one of the founding members of the renowned Star Alliance network. With its headquarters strategically located in Bangkok, the airline mans some of the longest nonstop commercial flights in the industry. One of these longest commercial flights that fly nonstop is the one from Bangkok to Los Angeles, California. Skytrax awarded the airline the title of “World’s Best Cabin Staff and the Best Airline in the World”. this was in the year 2006. The following year, Skytrax placed Thai Airways International 2nd for the category of “Airline of the Year”.
Thai Airways International History
At the start, the airline was actually a joint venture with Scandinavian Airlines System and Thai Airways Company. The first flight sent out by the airline was on May 1960. At the time, the Scandinavian Airlines System owned roughly 30% of the joint venture. But the figure started dwindling right down to 15%. On April 1977, the Thai government made the decision to buy out the remaining shares owned by the Scandinavian Airlines System. This paved the way for the merger of the two carriers, thereby forming the airline that we know presently.
Thai Airways International Fleet
As of April 2009, the airline’s fleet is comprised of the following aircraft models:
- Airbus: A300-600R, A330-300, A340-500, A340-600, and A380-800
- ATR: ATR 72
- Boeing: 737-400, 747-400, 777-200, 777-200ER, and 777-300
Thai Airways International Destinations
As of 2009, the airline has flights and services to the following destinations:
- East Asia: China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan
- South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka
- Southeast Asia: Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam
- Southwest Asia: Kuwait and UAE
- Europe: Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK
- USA: Los Angeles
- Oceania: Australia and New Zealand
