THAI to launch more routes to attract 25 million travellers

By English News

BANGKOK, Feb 14 - Thai Airways International (THAI), Thailand's national flag carrier, will launch more routes to attract 25 million more travellers as part of its collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

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THAI President Sorajak Kasemsuvan said the airline had discussed with TAT, and this year's target is to attract 25 million travellers to the country.

More flights to such destinations as Japan's Sapporo will be added, from five to seven flights/week during Thailand's cool season.

More routes from and to India and Russia will also be operated, for a high percentage of tourists from both countries visit Thailand, as well as routes from and to China and Myanmar.

THAI will soon open Bangkok-Mandalay-Bangkok flights, believing such a route will attract about an 80 per cent of passenger load per flight on average. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-02-14

Good news ..hope the biz class will be upgraded also . flat bed to all long flight would be fantastic .

If they would simply lower their ridiculous prices they would attract more passengers.

Good news ..hope the biz class will be upgraded also . flat bed to all long flight would be fantastic .

Ramping up flights to attract budget package tourists from countries like Russia, India and China probably doesn't translate into upgrading TG's abysmal business class product as part of their business plan for expansion.

If they would simply lower their ridiculous prices they would attract more passengers.

Fair criticism if one relies on the TG website. However, the use of TG's preferred distribution system of wholesalers and specialty agents can yield some excellent pricing. TG can charge higher prices through its website because the market will pay that price. One sees the same problem with Air Canada, United and even with EVA. I had to book a 1 way J class BKK-LAX and I was shocked to be able to access $1800 with Eva while the website wanted $2700 at the time. I was able to obtain $1600 one way with United for over a year on that route through 3rd party consolidators vs the $3000+ cost on the United website. Deals are available, but the consumer has to work the internet and scour the distribution system. annoying and frustrating at times, but it's how the airfare system worked. It's changed over the past 2 years as the airlines increased airfares and did away with many of the deals, but last year I was able to purchase roundtrips on HKG- YYZ route through webengines that were $1500 less than the AC website. TG still surprises with its HKG/BKK/HKT website fares that are often 10% or more less expensive than the web travel engines. Seek and you will find.

Good news ..hope the biz class will be upgraded also . flat bed to all long flight would be fantastic .

Ramping up flights to attract budget package tourists from countries like Russia, India and China probably doesn't translate into upgrading TG's abysmal business class product as part of their business plan for expansion.

Surely budget package tourists from those countries you name are used to and expect a high level of comfort, convenience, safety, etc., etc.?

Think positive man, you may be able to ship your cattle in more way than one with new routes

Good news ..hope the biz class will be upgraded also . flat bed to all long flight would be fantastic .

Agreed there biz class is first rate for the 1960s

Good news ..hope the biz class will be upgraded also . flat bed to all long flight would be fantastic .

On most of their B747-400 (long haul) They still have first class, up stairs, in the end, - where the "chairs" can be fitted as a bed. But the price is ridiculous. Compared to a business-class ticket on a B777, A380 or B787. Where you with "most" airlines, will get the comfort of a half-sized cubical unit, with fold away screen, and the ability to lay down and sleep.

I'm curious to see how "Norwegian Airlines" will do the interior of their B787 "Cheap flights to Bangkok" in the end of summer of 2013, from Oslo and Stockholm. The Buzz articles, when the news broke was, that it would be around 200€ one way - something I personally don't trust. But let's see....

Business-class, one way, short notice, on a B787, with one short stop-over for me, at around 1k € would be fantastic.

Thai Airways International (THAI), Thailand's national flag carrier, will launch more routes to attract 25 million more travellers

TAT have already said they expect 25m this year so this is in addition to that. One is left with no other option that to assume that the increase will require most of the existing tourists to change to land travel unless there are lots of spare airports around.

I've tried to book through their website and found it to be slow and expensive compared to other airlines, hopefully the company will address these issues in their plans.

Good news ..hope the biz class will be upgraded also . flat bed to all long flight would be fantastic .

Ramping up flights to attract budget package tourists from countries like Russia, India and China probably doesn't translate into upgrading TG's abysmal business class product as part of their business plan for expansion.

Surely budget package tourists from those countries you name are used to and expect a high level of comfort, convenience, safety, etc., etc.?

Think positive man, you may be able to ship your cattle in more way than one with new routes

Funny you mention it, but budget tourists are the ones who expect 5 star service for 1 star price.

Every time i have a problem in my hotel , its with guests in the cheapest rooms demanding and expecting it all, not to mention demanding personal favors

Cart before the horse again? Swampy is choked already, bring more and you will lose many.

I hope they start receiving russians via Thai Airways via direct route.

That way other airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Etihad etc will be relieved of russian horde of people. That will lead to ticket prices decline for us.

I really don't understand why someone from Moscow flys to Istanbul and then fly to Thailand (a very unoptimized route) while they can fly directly non stop to Bangkok?

Of course, answer lies in $$$. Can't blame them for choosing cheaper plane tickets.

Good news ..hope the biz class will be upgraded also . flat bed to all long flight would be fantastic .

Ramping up flights to attract budget package tourists from countries like Russia, India and China probably doesn't translate into upgrading TG's abysmal business class product as part of their business plan for expansion.

Don't know what flights you frequent, but I find Thai's business class service quite nice ... and far superior to many other airlines.

Where ever they go there will be an airline that's cheaper and/or better, so just another feel good factor load of Bull S**t. It really would be great to sit down with one of these geniuses and get them to provide a business plan as to exactly where and how long it would take to get these extra passengers from.

If they would simply lower their ridiculous prices they would attract more passengers.

I have been a frequent flyer member for 7 years, but not using Thai Air any more, their fares are no longer competitive just too high.

If they would simply lower their ridiculous prices they would attract more passengers.

I have been a frequent flyer member for 7 years, but not using Thai Air any more, their fares are no longer competitive just too high.

Try using your frequent flier points to go somewhere. I went back to the US last year, used my ff points to get a business class ticket. The taxes I had to pay to Thai Air were 75% of the cost of a regular business class ticket. What a deal.

Good news ..hope the biz class will be upgraded also . flat bed to all long flight would be fantastic .

On most of their B747-400 (long haul) They still have first class, up stairs, in the end, - where the "chairs" can be fitted as a bed. But the price is ridiculous. Compared to a business-class ticket on a B777, A380 or B787. Where you with "most" airlines, will get the comfort of a half-sized cubical unit, with fold away screen, and the ability to lay down and sleep.

I'm curious to see how "Norwegian Airlines" will do the interior of their B787 "Cheap flights to Bangkok" in the end of summer of 2013, from Oslo and Stockholm. The Buzz articles, when the news broke was, that it would be around 200€ one way - something I personally don't trust. But let's see....

Business-class, one way, short notice, on a B787, with one short stop-over for me, at around 1k € would be fantastic.

With the mess Boeing are in with the 787 you will be lucky if they are flying the type by 2015. Don't think they'll be starting at those prices with older more gas guzzling aircraft.

Good news ..hope the biz class will be upgraded also . flat bed to all long flight would be fantastic .

Ramping up flights to attract budget package tourists from countries like Russia, India and China probably doesn't translate into upgrading TG's abysmal business class product as part of their business plan for expansion.

Don't know what flights you frequent, but I find Thai's business class service quite nice ... and far superior to many other airlines.

TG business class is indeed superior that of Aeroflot, Turkmenistan Airlines, Philippine Airlines to name but a few. But the older generation seating and the oily mess TG serve serve in casserole dishes for the main course in business class is far inferior to the premium airlines with whom they apparently compete. Adding more economy seats for Russian and mainland Chinese budget tour groups seems to be their main strategy now, and they have made no recent comments regarding how they might make their business class product more competitive. Just look at the new A380 business class seats. Still older generation style with even less pitch than in many of their older business class cabins. Absolutely no comparison to premium airlines such as Singapore and Emirates. That also includes the meal service.