THAI AIRWAYS: Mid-flight massage, sir?

THAI should offer foot rubs on its long trips: Srisook

BANGKOK: Thai Airways International should provide foot massages and other unique services on its long-haul flights, Srisook Chandarangsu, permanent secretary of the Transport Ministry, said yesterday.

THAI should initiate "extra" services on its new long-haul flights, which can up to last 16 hours, he said.

"Thai Airways should prepare new services, such as foot massages, for customer satisfaction on long-haul flights, so as to upgrade itself as a premium airline," he said.

Srisook said THAI expects to introduce new direct flights that last 16 hours, connecting Bangkok to Chicago and New York, after the opening of Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

He said the Transport Ministry is searching for new routes to improve the competitiveness of the airline, which is 70-per-cent owned by the government.

THAI currently has a direct flight to Los Angeles, its only destination in the US.

"The Transport Ministry and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) are in the process of approving new routes," Srisook said.

The new Airbus aircraft that THAI ordered last year had the capacity to operate direct flights from Bangkok to New York and Chicago, he said.

The flight time to New York or Chicago would be shorter - from more than 30 hours to just 16 hours - due to a new route passing over the North Pole.

Last Monday, the ministry reached an "open-skies" agreement with China. The deal allows Thai carriers to fly to China with no limits on frequency and capacity.

Srisook said THAI had to adjust its routes to shorten flight times and this would also reduce the airline's jet-fuel expenses.

"In 2005, THAI may fly from Beijing to the US and Japan," he said.

The shorter flight time should also attract many more foreign tourists to Thailand as a result.

The ministry will begin talks with Singapore on an "open-skies" agreement for cargo flights this month.

--The Nation 2004-01-16

THAI midflight massage? Hmmm...

British tabloids would love that to happen. And knowing them they'll make out the cabin crew are bikini-clad go-go girls offering more than a massage.

Goodness you have a low opinion of British Tabloids.

Marjorie what did you say he was doing to the Butler? OMG.

markt has a realistic opinion of British tabloids.

I remember how excited Fulham FC fans got when they first heard that Taksin might be buying their team, and it wasn't because of a large injection of cash!