THAI to proceed with Thai Tiger Airways operation

BANGKOK, 9 October 2010 (NNT) - Thai Airways International or THAI insisted on operating the new low cost airline, Thai Tiger Airways, expecting to serve passengers by March 2011.

THAI President Piyasvasti Amranand said the company would proceed with the operation of Thai Tiger Airways, a new joint-venture with Singaporean Tiger Air.

Earlier the Transport Ministry has doubted THAI’s decision to establish the new low-cost airline, while the local low-cost airline “Nok Air” was still running.

Mr Piyasvasti added that all procedures had been carried out under legal framework and that the company would seek aviation rights from the Department of Civil Aviation, once all process got done.

He further talked about THAI’s third quarter performance from July-September, saying the average passenger’s occupation was at 75 percent, 1.30% higher than the same period last year. The most troubling issue the THAI President is worried about is the political uncertainties and daily violence. He explained that the situation in Thailand had great influence over travelers whether to come to Thailand or not.

In addition, the THAI board of committee agreed with plans to improve onboard products for long haul flights for the year 2011-2022 to increase the company’s income, competitiveness, and customer’s satisfaction. It will focus on comfort and modernity.

-- NNT 2010-10-09

Is this a case where the service of the low cost subsidiary will be better than the full cost parent?

Just bring the Chiang Mai - Singapore Tiger Airways flight back, OK? Please!?!

Where's the money coming from? Thai reported a THB4.03 billion loss in 2009.

Just bring the Chiang Mai - Singapore Tiger Airways flight back, OK? Please!?!

I second the motion.

They used to be great for a Singapore Visa run too. But Thai is a horrible airline now, service is down food is disgusting and planes are not maintained to anything other than a Thai standard (close enough is good enough). Obtaining Tiger may get them some Singaporean management as they have not paid down their billion baht losses from 09 but who gives them the money to obtain these acquisitions and mergers? Interesting question...

Thai Tiger Airways?. Please judge for yourselves.

http://www.facebook.com/search/?flt=1&q=tiger%20airways&o=69&tas=0.49054758131498644

Edited October 9, 201015 yr by klinger

There's an interesting report on eTurbo regarding Thai Airways. It dates from January 2009, but still relevant today I think.

Thai Tiger Airways?. Please judge for yourselves.

http://www.facebook.com/search/?flt=1&q=tiger%20airways&o=69&tas=0.49054758131498644

Budget airlines always have their critics. They also have many supporters, myself included.

Tiger and Air Asia's fleets are more modern than Thai's, the planes are decked out better and legroom is similar. The quick turnaround times does mean that delays are common and cancellations can be a problem as well, but the age of many Thai aircraft mean that they too are susceptible to these problems.

What Thai Tiger doesn't need is political interference and hopefully the Singapore side will ensure this doesn't happen. If the board and management is full of political appointees then I would expect the venture to be short-lived.