Bangkok--2 Apr--Khoodee
Cartoon Network characters have come to life onboard a specially-branded THAI Smile Airways plane, unveiled at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport today.
The Airbus A-320 is the result of an exciting partnership between the airline and Cartoon Network Amazone near Pattaya, as the waterpark looks to serve up a unique treat for its guests in its first full year of operation. This is the first plane of its kind anywhere in the world and will feature characters from the hit show Adventure Time both inside and outside, bringing smiles and a huge dose of fun for every passenger at a time when the country celebrates Songkran and Thai New Year. The inaugural flight will take place on April 4 from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Phuket.
The Cartoon Network-themed aircraft was presented to the public during the unveiling ceremony held at the THAI Airways’ hangar and presided over by Ms. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports. She said: “The unique collaboration between these two companies – THAI Smile Airways and Cartoon Network Amazone – will definitely create an excitement in Thailand’s tourism industry, as well as remind everyone of the great honor for Thailand to be chosen as the first tourist destination in the world to have a Cartoon Network theme park, and to present an inviting visual for travelers to visit the waterpark and explore other tourist attractions in the country that are filled with beauty, culture and Thainess.”
Mr. Santi Chudintra, Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, Tourism Authority of Thailand, expressed great optimism when he shared that the unique collaboration could easily support the government in welcoming some 29 million tourists annually to Thailand. “The collaboration between THAI Smile Airways and Cartoon Network Amazone is a fresh and creative strategy to promote the Thai tourism industry. There is no better time than to launch the aircraft during the upcoming Songkran festival, which is one of the main highlights on the tourism calendar that always attract people to Thailand. The aircraft will add more color to the already vibrant summer and fun-filled Songkran festival,” he said.
Dr. Kanit Sangsubhan, Ph.D., Chairman of Board of Directors, THAI Smile Airways Co., Ltd. revealed that THAI Smile Airways has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Amazone Falls Co.Ltd, during the end of 2014 to become alliances in promoting Thai tourism industry in order to enhance Thailand’s popularity and increase number of tourists. Under the Memorandum of Cooperation, THAI Smile Airways has painted Cartoon Network superstars inside and outside the Airbus A-320 aircraft, assuring that the aircraft would definitely impress Cartoon Network fans including utilities on the aircraft that have been designed under the same concept.
“Painting the aircraft with Cartoon Network characters which are superstars that have fans all over the world would surely attract tourists whether it is parking at the airport, taxiing on the runway or taking off and landing,” he assured.
“Cartoon Network Amazone is one of the favorite local destinations among these particular groups of tourists,” revealed Mr. Liakat Sultan Dhanji, Chairman and CEO of Amazon Falls Co., Ltd. “Embellishing the THAI Smile aircrafts with the images of the Cartoon Network superstars on the livery is like a breath of fresh air that will further enliven and enhance Thailand’s image to the world as a world-class tourism destination. It conjures images of fun activities that await the whole family travelling to Thailand,” he added.
Ricky Ow, President of Turner International Asia Pacific, said: "We are delighted and extremely proud of this partnership between Cartoon Network Amazone and THAI Smile Airways. The waterpark is a world first for Cartoon Network and is an impressive international attraction that is highly attractive not just for the people of Thailand but also for travelers across Asia Pacific and beyond. I am certain this unique partnership between two leading brands will contribute significantly to promoting Thailand's appeal as a must-visit tourist destination for many years to come."
Today, THAI Smile airways is also ready to put a smile on passengers’ faces with new air ticket distribution system that provide better convenience, allowing passengers to purchase tickets via on-line website, mobile application, 24-hour call center or at counter service and 7-Eleven convenience stores nationwide. Moreover, it plans to launch more services for future projects such as increasing check-in points at Airport Link stations and increasing payment distribution channels.
This year, the airline will also increase more flights on Bangkok (Suvarnbhumi) - Chiang Mai / Bangkok (Don Muang) - Chiang Mai / Bangkok (Suvarnbhumi) - Khon Kaen / Bangkok (Don Muang) - Khon Kaen / Bangkok (Suvarnbhumi) - Phuket / Bangkok (Don Muang) – Phuket to provide alternatives and conveniences to passengers and is also ready to operate on its new flights to Yangon, Mandalay, and etc.