Bangkok--20 Sep--Thai Airways International Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) held a Board of Directors’ Meeting, chaired by Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukbhasuk, THAI’s Chairman, with the following results: 1. 10-Year Corporate Plan (2008-2017) THAI’s Board of Directors approved the 10-Year Corporate Plan (2008-2017) submitted by the Management. The plan places special emphasis on (corporate) marketing and the company’s growth and expansion so that THAI remains competitive in the aviation industry and becomes the leading airline in this region. It also focuses on maximizing customer satisfaction as well as product and services development, (further strengthening staff morale) create staff dedication and readiness to provide service from the heart and promote corporate culture with customer-focus as the essential point. 2. Marketing Direction THAI has set its market positioning to become the first choice carrier, offering service excellence for customers, with extensive network coverage, world class brand image, mid-range airfares with high standard services, offering value added products by giving special service to certain customer groups or individuals. Through careful research, THAI will put together a proactive marketing plan to monitor customers’ needs, behaviors and satisfaction on a continual basis. The plan targets are to enhance brand value, focus on sales through network and alliances, improve sales channels and Royal Orchid Holidays tour packages, maintain current customers and encourage new customers in all classes of travel and introduce more sales promotion campaigns. 3. Operational Direction A human resource development plan will be developed with the aim to further strengthen the tie between staff and the Company, promote teamwork, pleasant working environment, attentiveness and commitment to succeed following the concept of “THAI Spirit”. In addition, there are plans to reduce costs and increase efficiency in other operational aspects. 4. Global Network THAI will develop its route network by focusing on network expansion to promote Thailand as the hub of this region. It will Increase flight capacity and frequency on major routes, introduce new destinations, adjust production on unprofitable flights and emphasize high-yield regional flights. In addition, THAI has plans to maximize aircraft utilization to increase revenue and reduce cost and investment. 5. Fleet The Board of Directors approved the adjustment of THAI’s fleet which includes the (phasing out) decommissioning of 47 aging aircraft, purchasing of 65 new aircraft to replace retired aircraft and to accommodate future growth during the next 10 years. Aircraft to be acquired during 2008-2017 include 16 long-range aircraft for intercontinental operations with seating capacity of between 300-500 seats; 29 mid to long range aircraft for regional operations with seating capacity of between 250-350 seats; 20 narrow bodied aircraft for domestic and regional operations, with a seating capacity of between 150-250 seats. The total investment is worth over 400,000 million baht and THAI’s 10-Year Corporate Plan will be forwarded to other concerned government offices for further (consideration) implementation.