Bangkok--24 Dec--Thai Airways International
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited and Nok Air made a joint announcement at a press conference announcing cooperation on flights to Phitsanulok, Ubol Ratchathani, and Mae Hong Son that will take effect from 1 March 2010 onwards. This cooperation will increase competitiveness of both airlines and passengers will be able to take advantage of more convenient travel at low-fare prices while high safety standards of THAI are maintained. The cooperation between THAI and Nok Air was officially announced during a press conference held by Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, and Mr. Patee Sarasin, Nok Air CEO.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said that the Company has entered into cooperation with Nok Air to operate flights to Phitsanulok, Ubol Ratchathani, and Mae Hong Son, as of 1 March 2010. This cooperation was formulated based on the Company’s Two-Brand Strategy to provide service on secondary routes in Thailand.
It is necessary for THAI to implement strategies to improve cost of services, due to the continually changing world economy and fluctuating fuel prices. These factors have affected commercial airlines across the world, resulting in adaptation of strategic planning, in order to overcome the financial crisis and make cost adjustments to meet increased competitiveness.
Over the past 5 years, losses were incurred for operational results on flights to Phitsanulok at an average of 86.3 million baht per year, to Ubol Ratchathani at an average of 74.9 million baht per year, and to Mae Hong Son at an average of 49.9 million baht per year.
Furthermore, the Company conducted a study on performance of domestic routes flown over the past 10 years, particularly on secondary and feeder routes. These routes have been unprofitable for several years but operations were sustained for the domestic traveling public.
The cooperation between THAI and Nok Air will continue to facilitate the needs of passengers, whereby convenient high standard of service will continue to be provided, as follows:
1. Nok Air will continue to operate the same flight frequencies, operating flights that are no less than originally served
2. Same aircraft maintenance standards
3. Same cockpit crew standards
Passengers will continue to receive convenient service on these routes, including flight frequency and seat capacity at attractive prices.
In addition, passengers can be confident of Nok Air’s standards of flight operations and services that are supported by THAI, whose services are recognized for its high safety standards.
Currently, THAI operates flights on these routes as follows:
- Bangkok-Phitsanulok v.v. at 2 flights per day.
- Bangkok-Ubol Ratchathani v.v. at 3 flights per day.
- Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son v.v. at 2 flights per day.
Regarding THAI operational staff currently working at these destinations that will be served by Nok Air, THAI ensures that the Company will provide assistance as a result of this transition.
International Public Relations Department
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited
Tel : (662) 545-2662 / 2663 / 1711 / 4686 / 1705 / 2720
Fax : (662) 545-3891