Thai Airways International Public Company Limited marked a historic milestone on 2 June 2026 when a female pilot operated a commercial flight for the national carrier for the first time in its 66-year history.
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Pannathorn Tangrungruangchai, known as “Bam”, served as the airline’s first female First Officer on flight TG564 from Bangkok to Hanoi. The flight was operated on an Airbus A320-200, registration HS-TXS. Thai Airways said this was the first time a woman had served as a pilot for the airline since it began operations 66 years ago.
The occasion was attended by Chuntarica Jotikasthira, Chief Human Resources Officer, along with executives from the airline’s flight operations team. The appointment represents a significant milestone for the national carrier and highlights its stated commitment to diversity and equal opportunity in aviation.
Although this is a first for Thai Airways, female pilots have been serving as captains and first officers at other Thai and international airlines for many years. Women nevertheless remain underrepresented in commercial aviation worldwide.
According to industry data from Women in Aviation International, women accounted for approximately 5.5% of airline transport pilots in the United States in 2024. International estimates place the global share of female airline pilots at around 6%, illustrating the continuing gender imbalance within the profession.
Thai Airways said the appointment reflects its commitment to diversity and equal opportunity in aviation. The airline did not provide details on whether women had previously applied for pilot positions or explain why no female pilot had joined its flight crew ranks before 2026.
Pannathorn graduated from the Aeronautical Engineering and Commercial Pilot Programme at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. She later completed flight training at Asia Aviation Academy before gaining more than four years of experience as an Airbus A320 First Officer with another airline.
The airline said it hopes the appointment will encourage more women to pursue careers in commercial aviation. The move may also draw attention to wider efforts across the aviation industry to increase female representation in cockpit roles.
Khaosod reported that as Thai Airways continues its operations, the airline is expected to build on its diversity initiatives while promoting career opportunities for future generations of pilots.
Pictures courtesy of Khaosod
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 3 June 2026
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