THAI Launches 'Thailand Plus' Fare Promotion to Aid Bangkok Recovery

Thai has launched a series of special economy class fare initiatives to help boost seat sales in the wake of the devastating Bangkok flooding. Fares start from $852 return to Bangkok including all taxes, charges - and are non-seasonal with travel allowed from 1 Jan to 20 Jun '12...book and ticket by 29 Feb '12.

THAILAND Plus fares to Thailand gives one fare to all the popular destinations in the Kingdom including Phuket, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui (total fare payable is determined by travel dates and domestic taxes that apply).

THAILAND Plus fares also allow travel to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar with a stopover allowed in Bangkok if required.

Children aged up to 15 years get to travel at the child airfare rate (usually children aged from 12 years pay adult fares) to make it even more affordable to take the family along this time.

THAILAND Plus fares to EUROPE, JOHANNESBURG or LOS ANGELES allow a free side-trip within Thailand giving travellers a 'two in one' holiday opportunity. Fares to Madrid start from $2019 return; to Johannesburg from $2068 return and to Los Angeles from $2167 return.

Thailand side-trips can be taken return to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket or Koh Samui.

Contact travel agents for full details, bookings and ticketing or log on to thaiairways.com.au for more information about this fare promotion and others currently available.

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Book a THAILAND Plus fare and take the kids up to 15 yrs at child rates; Thailand, Indochina, Europe, Jo'burg and LA. Details thaiairways.com.au.

Thai to Operate First Commercial Passenger Biofuels Flight in Asia

A Thai Airways 777-200

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) is set to be the first airline in Asia to fly a commercial passenger flight using biofuels to support the Company's Travel Green initiative that is part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.

Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said that under the CSR strategy, THAI has developed an important project on sustainability, in line with His Majesty the King's vision on renewable energy.  THAI, as the national carrier, is opting to operate a commercial flight using bio jet fuel as one way to help reduce global warming and carbon dioxide emissions.  THAI is pioneering the use of bio jet fuel in Asia and Southeast Asia, which in future other carriers in the region will hopefully follow suit.

On Wednesday, 21 December 2011, THAI will operate its inaugural biofuels flight TG8421 utilizing Boeing 777-200 aircraft.  Joining this auspicious occasion are members of the press and representatives from various organizations that support THAI's bio jet fuel project, such as PTT Public Company Limited, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI), Department of Civil Aviation, Rolls Royce, and The Boeing Company.

THAI has received support from petroleum producers, research firms, educational institutions, aircraft and engine manufacturers, and different government bodies affiliated with the aviation industry to develop bio jet fuel for aviation in Thailand.

Then on 22 December 2011, THAI will operate the first passenger biofuels flight in Asia, TG104 from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, whereby passengers can participate in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.  Revenue from this flight will go towards developing renewable energy in Thailand.  THAI is inviting a total of 100 students and professors to join in the special flight TG104.

THAI Launches Direct Flights to Brussels, 14th European City on The Network

Mr. Pandit Chanapai , Executive Vice President, Commercial Department of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), chaired the press conference that officially launches THAI's newest and 72 nd destination (14th destination in Europe)  Brussels, Belgium with direct flights to and from Bangkok beginning 17 November 2011.

Mr. Chanapai said, "Brussels was chosen as THAI's new destination to facilitate the growing number of passengers travelling between Australia, Thailand and Europe and for travellers' convenience via a direct route.   It is in line with THAI's strategy for expanding and serving other European cities, through a feeder city such as Brussels.   Today approximately 12-15% of passengers from Belgium and neighboring countries, especially those destined for Australia, make their connections in Frankfurt.   THAI expects these passengers will appreciate the convenience of the route to and from Brussels to Southeast Asia and Australia."

Flight TG934 from Bangkok will depart three times per week - on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 00.30 hours, arriving in Brussels at 07.00 hours the same morning.   Flight TG935 from Brussels will depart the same days at 13.30 hours, arriving in Bangkok at 06.20 hours the following day.  Direct connections are available to/from these flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and outbound from Brisbane.

Thai Airways Boeing 777-200 ER

Flight reservations opened in July 2011 and the seating capacity on the Boeing 777-200 ER aircraft has already reached 80% full for the first flight to Brussels on 17 November 2011.   THAI's Boeing 777-200 ER aircraft is configured for 30 seats in Royal Silk Class and 262 seats in Economy Class, with all 292 seats equipped with personal screen and the latest in-flight entertainment system.

THAI is the first carrier in Southeast Asia to operate direct flights between Thailand and Belgium, adding convenience for passengers travelling from Belgium's capital, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France.   These passengers may also take advantage of direct flights into Bangkok, then traveling beyond to Thai domestic destinations and other parts of Southeast Asia and Australia.

Fares to Brussels start from $1,767* per person including taxes for travellers taking advantage of THAI's Europe 'Earlybird' Deals on sale until 20 Nov '11, travel from 01 Mar - 30 Sep '12.  Fares are available for travel from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth.  Bonus special offer of a free overnight stay in Bangkok is added for travellers who book and ticket by 31 Oct '11 and 30kgs luggage allowance offered.

Contact travel agents for more information and bookings; call THAI on 1300 651 960 or log on to www.thaiairways.com.au.

For THAI's Royal Orchid Plus frequent flyer members, THAI is offering the following special launch promotion from 17 November 2011 to 31 January 2012:

-          Earn 2,000 Bonus Miles for each way in Royal Silk Class between Bangkok and Brussels on THAI

-          Earn 1,000 Bonus Miles for each way in Economy Class between Bangkok and Brussels on THAI

-          Redeem 97,500 miles for award travel in Royal Silk Class between Bangkok and Brussels (25% discount)

-          Redeem 52,500 miles for award travel in Economy Class between Bangkok and Brussels (25% discount)


For more information on frequent flyer promotions, contact THAI on 1300 651 960 or visit www.thaiairways.com.

THAI Announces Direct Flights from Bangkok to Brussels, Belgium

On 27 June 2011, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) announced the introduction of direct flights to be operated three times a week non-stop on the route Bangkok – Brussels v.v., utilizing Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, with services commencing on 17 November 2011.

Mr. Pandit Chanapai, THAI Executive Vice President for Commercial, said "THAI is pleased to introduce Brussels as its newest destination to serve the European Union (EU), as the only Southeast Asian carrier to operate non-stop flights on the route Bangkok-Brussels and vice versa.  Flights to Brussels will serve business travel among the international community from Thailand and the European Union conducting state travel.  Leisure passengers from Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France will also take advantage of direct flights into Bangkok, with passengers traveling beyond Bangkok to Thai domestic destinations and other parts of Southeast Asia."

THAI will operate a total of three flights per week from Bangkok to Brussels.

THAI's direct service on flight TG934 will depart Bangkok on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 00.30 hours and arrive in Brussels at 07.00 hours.  On the return, flight TG935 will depart Brussels on the same day at 13.30 hours and arrive in Bangkok at 06.20 hours on the next day.  Total flight time on the Bangkok-Brussels route is 12.30 hours and 10.50 hours on the return from Brussels-Bangkok.  Brussels is THAI's 72nd destination.

Flights from Australia's on-line cities : Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth will offer direction connections to/from the new Brussels services giving Australian travellers one-stop flights to a choice of 14 major cities in Europe.  Sydney and Melbourne offer connections to/from Brussels 3 flights a week; Brisbane has outbound connections to Brussels with a day in Bangkok on the return; Perth has a weekly outbound connection to Brussels with a stopover required on the return.

THAI will utilize Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on the Bangkok-Brussels v.v. route and can carry a total of 292 passengers with 30 seats in Royal Silk Class and 262 seats in Economy Class, with seats in all classes of travel equipped with personal screens and the latest in-flight entertainment system.  All flights to/from Australia also offer personal entertainment systems for all passengers.

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the European Union.  As Brussels is within close proximity to the Netherlands, THAI's direct flight serves state travel conducted by officials from the International Court of Justice in The Hague as well as other international organizations headquartered in Brussels such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Flights on the route Bangkok-Brussels v.v. may be booked from 1 July 2011 onwards via travel agents or on-line at www.thaiairways.com.au.

For more information, contact travel agents or THAI on 1300 651 960 or THAI's Bangkok Call Center on (662) 356-1111, 24 hours.

THAI Scores Sky High @ Skytrax World Airline Awards 2011

THAI named Top 5 Airline Worldwide and Wins Skytrax Best Airline Economy Class Onboard Catering and Best Airline Economy Class Seat

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) was honoured at the 2011 Skytrax World Airline Awards in two categories, winning the title of Best Airline Economy Class Onboard Catering and also picking up the title for Best Airline Economy Class seat. THAI also placed 5th worldwide in the 2011 World’s Best Airlines category, moving up from 9th place in last year.

Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said, “THAI is honored to receive the top awards in these two categories and having moved up to 5th place in the World’s Best Airlines category.” THAI has been implementing ongoing retrofitting projects of a number of aircraft to create higher customer satisfaction and to improve THAI’s overall competitiveness.

"In addition to collecting these category Awards, it was pleasing to see Thai Airways moving up the global rankings, into 5th place worldwide for 2011, improved from 9th place last year. With these awards directly reflecting customer opinions, it is a clear sign that Thai Airways is now delivering a better overall product and service quality to their passengers," said Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax."

Over 18.8 million airline passengers from 100 different nationalities voted in the World Airline Awards. A total of 200 airlines were featured and awards reflected customer satisfaction levels across 38 different items of airline front-line product and service.

In photo: (Left) Mr. Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, (Right) Mr. Jesada Chandrema, THAI.

About THAI:
THAI celebrates its 51st Anniversary during 2011 and 40 years of flights between Australia and Thailand. THAI currently flies 46 times a week from Australia to Thailand with connections to over 70 destinations in 36 countries across 5 continents. All aircraft operating on the Australian route are equipped with the latest in-seat personal entertainment systems for all passengers - and a generous 32-33 inch seat pitch for extra comfort in Economy class. There's a choice of main meals, french wines and cognac for all travellers. For more information log on to www.thaiairways.com.au or contact travel agents; to contact THAI in Australia 1300 651 960.