Thai Air News! - CNX-BKK by Dreamliner 787 - Plus Website Changes

[davevi]

Just received news from the Thai Air office today about their CNX to BKK route, and also changes in ticket purchasing processes on Thai Air's website.

First the fun news. Starting July 8th Thai Air will debut their new Dreamliner 787 on the CNX-BKK route -- twice daily, 10am and 3pm. The 10am flight was formerly serviced by Thai's 747, and currently running on an Airbus 300, and soon on the new Dreamliner. I was told there would be 24-30 biz class seats on the Dreamliner configuration (I think she said 24, but I'm not certain).

Second, the process for buying tickets on Thai's website has changed, and improved.

First, the change. it seems that you can no longer make a booking then pay for it at the Thai office or ATM. This option was not available yesterday, nor today, at the Thai website. The only option I was given for my domestic/international round trip was to pay immediately on the website using Visa, MC, or Amex. There is no option, at least on this route I purchased, to make the booking and pay within the next 24 hours as you have always been able to do in the past. And this is for a booking for a flight next week, not something in tomorrow, so I don't see a reason why this option is gone.

Second they have improved their credit card purchase subsystem. It's now easier to use, more professional looking, and smoother. It's quicker, much quicker. But for me my card still didn't work at their website, but I think it's my configuration issue with Bangkok Bank, and not Thai's website.

To get my ticket I went through all the steps to make the purchase on Thai's website, printed the web pages showing my routes and the flight numbers I wanted, and printed a second page that showed the seat selections I wanted. I took that print out to the Thai office in the old city and bought the ticket at the Thai office. And, for the first time, the online price was the same as the price they charged in the office. In the past you always paid a bit more to purchase in their office than online.

[Chicog]

Using the Screamliner on a half empty route.

No wonder they are going tits up.

[harrry]

Using the Screamliner on a half empty route.

No wonder they are going tits up.

2 things....fuel savings help.

also

Training requires crew to have made a certain number of takeoffs and landings in order to be certified. It is more economic to do this on short routes than on long haul flights.

[worgeordie]

Is that the plane,thats glued together?

regards worgeordie

[mesquite]

Using the Screamliner on a half empty route.

No wonder they are going tits up.

2 things....fuel savings help.

also

Training requires crew to have made a certain number of takeoffs and landings in order to be certified. It is more economic to do this on short routes than on long haul flights.

So they will be using us for training. Great.

[harrry]

Using the Screamliner on a half empty route.

No wonder they are going tits up.

2 things....fuel savings help.

also

Training requires crew to have made a certain number of takeoffs and landings in order to be certified. It is more economic to do this on short routes than on long haul flights.

So they will be using us for training. Great.

All airlines do....especially the low cost carriers.

[davevi]

Running a new plane on short-haul's first is a normal process.

Thai did the same when they took delivery of their first A380 -- running short routes until they were comfortable with the performance and use of the plane -- and then transitioning the A380 to long-haul service where it continues today.

The crew and pilots will be fully trained on the 787 before its first passenger run, but the small logistics that are learned only with repeated use with a passenger load is only possible with a regular route.

I believe the official first route for this plane will be Bangkok to Perth. It's not clear when that transition will occur. Press releases stated in the past that this plane would begin service 01JUL on the Bangkok Perth route. But starting CNX-BKK makes much more sense.

[harrry]

Running a new plane on short-haul's first is a normal process.

Thai did the same when they took delivery of their first A380 -- running short routes until they were comfortable with the performance and use of the plane -- and then transitioning the A380 to long-haul service where it continues today.

The crew and pilots will be fully trained on the 787 before its first passenger run, but the small logistics that are learned only with repeated use with a passenger load is only possible with a regular route.

I believe the official first route for this plane will be Bangkok to Perth. It's not clear when that transition will occur. Press releases stated in the past that this plane would begin service 01JUL on the Bangkok Perth route. But starting CNX-BKK makes much more sense.

Simulator trained not checkflighted

[Chicog]

Is that the plane,thats glued together?

regards worgeordie

No, it's the one that smokes too much.

[mesquite]

Running a new plane on short-haul's first is a normal process.

Thai did the same when they took delivery of their first A380 -- running short routes until they were comfortable with the performance and use of the plane -- and then transitioning the A380 to long-haul service where it continues today.

The crew and pilots will be fully trained on the 787 before its first passenger run, but the small logistics that are learned only with repeated use with a passenger load is only possible with a regular route.

I believe the official first route for this plane will be Bangkok to Perth. It's not clear when that transition will occur. Press releases stated in the past that this plane would begin service 01JUL on the Bangkok Perth route. But starting CNX-BKK makes much more sense.

Simulator trained not checkflighted

So the pilots on those first flights may not have ever flown a real 787?

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

[amexpat]

<deleted>

Once you get out of a car or taxi at the airport you will be in very little danger - until you land and get into another vehicle at your destination.

[harrry]

Running a new plane on short-haul's first is a normal process.

Thai did the same when they took delivery of their first A380 -- running short routes until they were comfortable with the performance and use of the plane -- and then transitioning the A380 to long-haul service where it continues today.

The crew and pilots will be fully trained on the 787 before its first passenger run, but the small logistics that are learned only with repeated use with a passenger load is only possible with a regular route.

I believe the official first route for this plane will be Bangkok to Perth. It's not clear when that transition will occur. Press releases stated in the past that this plane would begin service 01JUL on the Bangkok Perth route. But starting CNX-BKK makes much more sense.

Simulator trained not checkflighted

So the pilots on those first flights may not have ever flown a real 787?

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

The Captain checking them out will experiencedon the type. In fact on a check flight you probably will have the most experienced captain. Nothing to worry about. I worry more about the low cost carriers which take first officers of onlyh about 150 hours and then give them type training as a first officer.After a limited time the same first officer gets upped to Captain. Some thingstaining alone does not replace.

[arunsakda]

I saw the TG 787 climbing out off RWY 36 sometime last week. Could not get a pic. Checking scheduled services July 8 and 9 just now on the mobile site is still not listed as operating.

[arunsakda]

I called TG city ticket office yesterday to book a seat to BKK on the B787, business class of course. They told me the CNX-BKK sector rollout of new fleet has been delayed to July 25. Two flights a day at 10:~and 15:~

[Chicog]

I called TG city ticket office yesterday to book a seat to BKK on the B787, business class of course. They told me the CNX-BKK sector rollout of new fleet has been delayed to July 25. Two flights a day at 10:~and 15:~

Unless they can't fill them in which case it will be 12:00.

[davevi]

I called TG city ticket office yesterday to book a seat to BKK on the B787, business class of course. They told me the CNX-BKK sector rollout of new fleet has been delayed to July 25. Two flights a day at 10:~and 15:~

Too bad it's been delayed.

My home is in the take off path most days for CNX. I've notice, and confirmed with Flightradar24, that they're currently running various 777 models on the TG103 morning flight (formerly using a 747, then the A300). Some of the 777 they're using are their new 300's that have the new staggered biz class seats and layout. Unfortunately there isn't a pattern yet on what kind of 777 they're using on what days.

TG116, the largest plane that they run on the return flight (BKK-CNX) uses a 777-300 (BKK-CNX) with the last generation biz class, still quite nice, they are the shell style nearly-flat seats.

Thai's use of the 777 on the TG103 flights may be tied to the similarity of flight deck operation with the 787. Pilots certified on the operation of a 777 can use the same controls and processes to fly the 787. The pilots scheduled to run the 787 may already be on CNX-BKK route and waiting for the 787 to appear.

[Chicog]

I've just realised I'm probably going to be on that flight.

Better take a smoke detector with me.

[CNXBKKMAN]

Has the aircraft been delivered yet? Quick google doesn't seem to show any photos of it at BKK or news of it being delivered. It's 5th July now and its supposed to be flying on the 8th?

[CBR250]

Does the new credit card system avoid the problem of having to have the credit card used to pay for the ticket with you when you board? My daughter got stuck by this a few years back when she had replaced the card used with a new one. She spent 40 minutes at check-in on the phone to Oz and fortunately got her branch manager to dig out the old number. Thai is one of the few airlines that I know of that seem to do this.

[uptheos]

We live in exciting times.

[davevi]

Does the new credit card system avoid the problem of having to have the credit card used to pay for the ticket with you when you board? My daughter got stuck by this a few years back when she had replaced the card used with a new one. She spent 40 minutes at check-in on the phone to Oz and fortunately got her branch manager to dig out the old number. Thai is one of the few airlines that I know of that seem to do this.

The need to show your credit card is not a Thai Air requirement, but a FAA rule shared among airlines worldwide.

If you pay in cash at a Thai Air office, something you could do for your daughter if you are already in Thailand and she's flying in from abroad, she will only need to show her local ID or a Passport. Otherwise, prepare to have your credit card ready when checking in.

[davevi]

Has the aircraft been delivered yet? Quick google doesn't seem to show any photos of it at BKK or news of it being delivered. It's 5th July now and its supposed to be flying on the 8th?

Delivered and ready.

Thai has been very shy about showing the interior of the 787. By my count there are only two photos of business class available online.

The interior design for the 787 is very nice, but does not match the interior style of other Thai business class cabins.

Not sure why they are using a new design style interior for this plane.

[Chicog]

Does the new credit card system avoid the problem of having to have the credit card used to pay for the ticket with you when you board? My daughter got stuck by this a few years back when she had replaced the card used with a new one. She spent 40 minutes at check-in on the phone to Oz and fortunately got her branch manager to dig out the old number. Thai is one of the few airlines that I know of that seem to do this.

I've had this problem on Qatar as well. Fortunately they only changed one digit on the new card so I was able to remember the number.

Even with my passport, TG insisted on cancelling the ticket and me buying a new one, fortunately at no cost.

Seems a totally pointless check to me. Now I keep my old cards instead of cutting them up like they tell you to!

[CNXBKKMAN]

Has the aircraft been delivered yet? Quick google doesn't seem to show any photos of it at BKK or news of it being delivered. It's 5th July now and its supposed to be flying on the 8th?

Delivered and ready.

Thai has been very shy about showing the interior of the 787. By my count there are only two photos of business class available online.

The interior design for the 787 is very nice, but does not match the interior style of other Thai business class cabins.

Not sure why they are using a new design style interior for this plane.

The aircraft is built and flying but its not been handed over to the airline yet and is not in Thailand. Google has no news of it being delivered, The aviation photographers who linger at the end of the runway at BKK have not photographed it either. These guys are all mad keen to be the first one's with the image and upload it to airliners.net and get it on the Internet. It's still in the USA with Boeing but could arrive in BKK any day now I guess......

[arunsakda]

Has the aircraft been delivered yet? Quick google doesn't seem to show any photos of it at BKK or news of it being delivered. It's 5th July now and its supposed to be flying on the 8th?

Delivered and ready.

Thai has been very shy about showing the interior of the 787. By my count there are only two photos of business class available online.

The interior design for the 787 is very nice, but does not match the interior style of other Thai business class cabins.

Not sure why they are using a new design style interior for this plane.

The aircraft is built and flying but its not been handed over to the airline yet and is not in Thailand. Google has no news of it being delivered, The aviation photographers who linger at the end of the runway at BKK have not photographed it either. These guys are all mad keen to be the first one's with the image and upload it to airliners.net and get it on the Internet. It's still in the USA with Boeing but could arrive in BKK any day now I guess......

Rubbish. I am fully familiar with the unique appearance of the 787 and the new livery TG has on it. The 787 I saw climbing out of CNX RW 36 was not a figment of my imagination. And I saw one on the ground at BKK as well.

[uptheos]

Does business class have flatbeds?

Wouldn't want to arrive in BKK from CM feeling fatigued.

[arunsakda]

Does the new credit card system avoid the problem of having to have the credit card used to pay for the ticket with you when you board? My daughter got stuck by this a few years back when she had replaced the card used with a new one. She spent 40 minutes at check-in on the phone to Oz and fortunately got her branch manager to dig out the old number. Thai is one of the few airlines that I know of that seem to do this.

The need to show your credit card is not a Thai Air requirement, but a FAA rule shared among airlines worldwide.

If you pay in cash at a Thai Air office, something you could do for your daughter if you are already in Thailand and she's flying in from abroad, she will only need to show her local ID or a Passport. Otherwise, prepare to have your credit card ready when checking in.

Uttertosh. The requirement to show credit card used for online booking is a TG requirement, other airlines may have it as well but none I know of. You might be talking about the Thai DCA but I can tell you the FAA does not regulate the ticketing and checkin requirements of any airline, especially not TG.

Thai only is subject to FAA jurisdiction regarding flights to the US and whilst operating in US airpace.

[Chicog]

Does business class have flatbeds?

Wouldn't want to arrive in BKK from CM feeling fatigued.

Good question!

[Chicog]

Does the new credit card system avoid the problem of having to have the credit card used to pay for the ticket with you when you board? My daughter got stuck by this a few years back when she had replaced the card used with a new one. She spent 40 minutes at check-in on the phone to Oz and fortunately got her branch manager to dig out the old number. Thai is one of the few airlines that I know of that seem to do this.

The need to show your credit card is not a Thai Air requirement, but a FAA rule shared among airlines worldwide.

If you pay in cash at a Thai Air office, something you could do for your daughter if you are already in Thailand and she's flying in from abroad, she will only need to show her local ID or a Passport. Otherwise, prepare to have your credit card ready when checking in.

Uttertosh. The requirement to show credit card used for online booking is a TG requirement, other airlines may have it as well but none I know of. You might be talking about the Thai DCA but I can tell you the FAA does not regulate the ticketing and checkin requirements of any airline, especially not TG.

Thai only is subject to FAA jurisdiction regarding flights to the US and whilst operating in US airpace.

Well I've been asked for the card on MH, QR, TG and GF, and those are the last four airlines for which I've bought the ticket on plastic.

But you're right, it isn't an FAA directive, it's obviously an airline thing to prevent CNP (cardholder not present) fraud, but if you've got your passport with you I really don't see how it's any use. Unless they're basically saying they don't trust immigration officials to spot a fake passport.

[CNXBKKMAN]

Has the aircraft been delivered yet? Quick google doesn't seem to show any photos of it at BKK or news of it being delivered. It's 5th July now and its supposed to be flying on the 8th?

Delivered and ready.

Thai has been very shy about showing the interior of the 787. By my count there are only two photos of business class available online.

The interior design for the 787 is very nice, but does not match the interior style of other Thai business class cabins.

Not sure why they are using a new design style interior for this plane.

The aircraft is built and flying but its not been handed over to the airline yet and is not in Thailand. Google has no news of it being delivered, The aviation photographers who linger at the end of the runway at BKK have not photographed it either. These guys are all mad keen to be the first one's with the image and upload it to airliners.net and get it on the Internet. It's still in the USA with Boeing but could arrive in BKK any day now I guess......

Rubbish. I am fully familiar with the unique appearance of the 787 and the new livery TG has on it. The 787 I saw climbing out of CNX RW 36 was not a figment of my imagination. And I saw one on the ground at BKK as well.

I am sure it wasn't a figment of your imagination but you seem to be the only person who has seen it in Thailand. TG have made no mention of receiving it other than its delayed 17 days. The Boeing website says its not been delivered. None of the many aviation photographers at BKK or CNX have taken a photo of it. Flight radar 24 has only records of it other than test flights within the USA. I hope to see it myself when it pops in CNX and maybe do flight to BKK.