Thai Airways International (Thai) celebrated its return to full freighter capability with the launch of cargo services with two Boeing-777-200LRFs from Bangkok to Frankfurt and Bangkok- Hong Kong–Amsterdam–Bangkok. Two flights are to operate weekly for the first route, while one flight is for the second route.

Thai Cargo returns to the full freighter sphere via a deal with US-based Southern Air for two B777 freighters.

Thai entered into a Block Space Agreement (BSA) with US-based Southern Air (SAI) for the two B777 freighters making it the first carrier in Southeast Asia to use the aircraft. Thai said the freighters were ideal for serving the growing market demand between Thailand and Europe as the global economy recovers.

“This freighter aircraft will enhance the strength of Thai Cargo by providing more cargo space, in addition to the existing compartment underneath the passenger cabin, as well as offer faster service and more convenient shipments,” the carrier said. The aircraft can carry 102 tonnes of cargo per flight, and is capable of holding 37 standard pallets and provide a space to stock 17 cubic metres of bulk cargo.

Thai estimates that the new freighters will help boost total freight income by nearly 31 per cent to 24 billion Baht in 2010, based on an estimated load factor of 53.6 per cent. This income will be used for further aircraft procurement, Thai said in a statement. “This significant expansion ensures that Thai’s new service will satisfy customer demand in cargo delivery,” it said.

The aircraft was officially anointed at a ceremony held at the Thai Cargo Terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The occasion also marked the official opening of the Thai Cargo Cold Storage Service at the airport, which is part of the Perishable Centre at the Thai Cargo Terminal. The new service, along with a 500 sqm temperature controlled facility is aimed at Thailand’s substantial perishables exports and also helps reduce the use of environmentally unfriendly foam packaging.