Bangkok--18 Jun--Thai Airways
Today 18th June 2010, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) held a Board of Directors’ Meeting chaired by Mr. Ampon Kittiampon, THAI Chairman, at THAI Head Office with the following announcement:
Operating Results for May 2010
The Board acknowledged operating results as follows: The Available Seat per Kilometer (ASK) for May 2010 was 3.63% higher than in May 2009, and 4.91% higher than in April 2010. The Revenue per Kilometer (RPK) for May 2010 was 5.1% lower than in May 2009, and 17.54% lower than in April 2010. The Cabin Factor for May 2010 averaged at 56.67%, which is 8.92% lower than in May 2009, and 21.40% lower than in April 2010. These results of May were due to the non-tourist season and due to the impact from the political situation taken place. However, after the situation, the RPK has shown to be on the improved.
On the operating results from Jan-May 2010, the ASK 6.60% higher than same period last year, RPK 9.67% higher than the same period last year, and the Cabin Factor is averaged at 74.4% which is 2.88% higher than the same period last year.
Regarding Cargo, in May 2010, Cargo Revenue Ton/km (RTK) was 253 ton/km of cargo, an increase of 61% compared to the same period last year. This shows the positive trend on Thailand’s export. Cargo operating result between January-June (1st two weeks) increased by 55%, with the load Factor of 67.8% in May.
Aircraft Acquisition
According to the Board’s resolution from the meeting on 8 February 2010 on aircraft acquisition plan during 2010-2014, the Board has approved that, in addition to the previous aircraft order of eight A330-300 and six A380 between 2010-2013, THAI will acquire another 15 new aircraft which will consist of seven regional aircraft (about 300 seats, through financial lease) and eight intercontinental aircraft (about 350 seats, through operating lease).
Based on that approval, today the Board approved on the aircraft type to be ordered :
- Seven regional aircraft will be A330-300
- Eight intercontinental aircraft will be B777-300ER
The Board has delegated the Management to represent the Board in negotiating on the lease terms and other conditions, for maximum benefit of the company.
Selection and acquisition of Seat Supplier for economy class seatsFor the A330-300 (4th to 8th aircraft) and for retrofitting of B747-400 (7th —12th aircraft)
The Board approved on the Supplier of economy class seats including the inflight entertainment for the A330-300 (4th to 8th aircraft) and for retrofitting of B747-400 (7th —12th aircraft). Zim Flugsitz GmbH is the selected Seat Supplier, replacing Koito which could not provide the seats for THAI in due time.
Due to the seat delivery problem, it became necessary for THAI to find other seat suppliers in parallel with solving the KOITO seat problem. THAI then set up a Procurement Committee to find a new Seat Supplier, upon which ZIM Flugsitz GmbH has met the technical requirement specified by the Committee. ZIM products have also received endorsements from various organizations, leading to the confidence that it can deliver the seats to THAI within the specified timeframe. German-based ZIM Flugsitz GmbH provides quality products that meet TOR specifications the most. Therefore, when compared all details and all aspects, ZIM Flugsitz GmbH was selected to be the Supplier of economy class seat for THAI, with an offer for ZIM to work in parallel with KOITO who has until 20th Sep to confirm to THAI their commitment. If KOITO cannot deliver the seat within the specified time frame, ZIM will deliver the seats to THAI within 8 months of receiving the LOI.
This comes with condition that ZIM would be supplier for the retrofit project of B747-400 (7th-12th aircraft).
Update on Raising THAI Capital
The Board has approved on THAI’s borrowing of 8 billion THB from the Siam Commercial Bank, for the period of 7 years.