Thai And Bangkok Airways Sign Mou

[george]

THAI and Bangkok Airways Sign MOU

BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International Public Company Limited and Bangkok Airways Company Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the area of network coordination and commercial cooperation, to further develop THAI and Bangkok Airways’ respective domestic and international network coordination. In addition, the agreement will aid in making passenger travel to Koh Samui and other destinations in China more convenient.

Mr. Somchainuk Engtrakul (2nd left), THAI’s Member of the Board of Directors Acting as President, said that the signing of THAI and Bangkok Airways’ MOU signifies development of network coordination between the two air carriers. THAI views this agreement as a lead towards the further development of domestic and international networks for each airline, respectively. This impacts domestic markets such as Koh Samui, a destination that THAI does not operate and aims for cooperation with Bangkok Airways. Other markets in China include Sipsongpanna, Xian, Guilin, Zhengzhou, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen, that are operated by Bangkok Airways and are not operated by THAI. Therefore, this is a good opportunity for to THAI to expand its reach in China, utilizing the network of Bangkok Airways, which will better meet passenger needs and expectations and make travel more convenient.

Mr. Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth (2nd right), Bangkok Airways’ President, said that Bangkok Airways and THAI will continually cooperate on coordinating this agreement, as currently there is increased competition in the airline industry worldwide. Cooperation between the two carriers will help strengthen both THAI and Bangkok Airways’ operations, increasing ability to compete in airline business worldwide and further solidifying Thailand’s position as the future aviation hub for the region. The two airlines’ networks will join together and open up to all groups of travelers worldwide, increasing profitability for the country.

Koh Samui is one of the leading, most popular destinations for island travel in Thailand. Studies conducted by the Airports Authority of Thailand conclude that tourist arrivals in Koh Samui increase regularly.

Furthermore, the Chinese market has high potential due to consistent growth. The most recent figures from the Tourism Authority of Thailand conclude that 711,000 Chinese tourists arrived in Thailand in 2005, which is an increase of 12 percent when compared to figured from 2004.

In addition to network coordination, THAI and Bangkok Airways will engage in commercial cooperation. The two airlines will cooperation in commercial efforts pertaining to passenger travel flown on both carriers’ flights, as well as cooperation in the area of tour programs for both parties.

In 2004, Bangkok Airways cooperated with THAI in operating flights on the route Chiang Mai – Mae Hong Son v.v. and Chiang Mai – Luang Prabang v.v. utilizing Bangkok Airways’ aircraft, when THAI’s ATR aircraft underwent maintenance. As well, THAI provided assistance to Bangkok Airways on the route Bangkok – Krabi v.v. and Bangkok – Phuket v.v. utilizing THAI’s aircraft, all of which signified the beginning of cooperation between THAI and Bangkok Airways.

--Agencies 2006-04-28

[LaoPo]

This MOU will hopefully help to bring the fare-prices of BKK air down.

Maybe even a merger around the corner...? or even a takeover Thai/BKK Airways, who knows?

It's a nice piece of cake for Thai

LaoPo