Bangkok--3 Feb--Grayling
British Airways celebrates 75 years of continuous service to Thailand. Since the first flight took off from London Heathrow on December 9, 1933, the airline has been a constant feature of the burgeoning tourism and business travel markets between the two countries.
While the inaugural flight took eight days to reach Bangkok, including 17 stops, today’s travellers can look forward to a flight time of just under 12 hours. The airline currently operates daily flights to and from London and Sydney.
Commenting on the anniversary, the British Ambassador H.E. Quinton Quayle, said British Airways had played a vital role in the continuing strong Anglo-Thai relationship.
“British Airways has gained vast experience of the Thai market through its many years of operating in the Kingdom,” said Mr Quayle. “Not only has this assisted in driving commerce and tourism links between our two countries, but it has also played an important role in the opening of European markets in recent years.”
Kevin McQuillan, manager for British Airways/Qantas in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam said, “This is a significant milestone for British Airways and highlights our long standing commitment to Thailand. Bangkok is one of the most important destinations in the region and is the strategic hub for the “kangaroo route” between the United Kingdom and Australia.”
To commemorate the anniversary, aviation memorabilia including rare uniforms from the British Airways Museum in London are being brought to Bangkok for the first time. The exhibition also features historical images capturing the pioneering spirit and innovation over the years including those of the first aircraft service to Bangkok, the first flying boat to arrive in Thailand, and the world’s first pure jet commercial service.
Photograph shows (from left) Kevin McQuillan, manager for British Airways/Qantas Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, the British Ambassador H.E. Quinton Quayle, and Mr. Stephen Limbrick, regional manager South East Asia for British Airways.
About British Airways
British Airways is one of the world's largest international airlines carrying approximately 36 million passengers around the world every year. The airline has a worldwide route network that covers more than 150 destinations in 75 countries.
In Thailand, British Airways has been operating for 75 years, currently with four direct flights per day (28 per week, in a codeshare agreement with Qantas). These operate to and from Bangkok serving London Heathrow on the Northern route, and Sydney on the Southern route.
In 2008, British Airways was awarded best transatlantic and best business class airline by frequent travellers from across the world at the Official Airline Guide (OAG) Airline of the Year Awards.
For further information on British Airways visit www.ba.com
For further media information, please contact:
Suthatip Boonsaeng (08-9924-6464) or Wikanda Promkhuntong (08-7276-9849)
Grayling (Thailand)
[email protected] / [email protected]
Tel: 02 635 7151-4 Fax: 02 635 7155