A January audit by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has raised serious safety concerns over Thailand’s commercial aviation standards. Already China, South Korea and Japan have stopped Thai carriers from flying charters and new routes because of safety concerns highlighted by the international safety audit. The problem also threatens to become graver for Thailand should other jurisdictions including the US and the European Union take … [Read more...] about Thai carriers in trouble after ICAO safety audit
Thai Airways
Thai to exit freighter services, sell off 22 aircraft
Thai Airways has announced the latest step in its major restructuring plans that will see it sell off 22 of its aircraft and terminate freighter services as it struggles to overcome seven straight months of losses. The carrier - with nearly US$5.9 billion in debts - will cease operating its final two B747-400BCF services by end of the month. Thai Airways was once a leader in the cargo market, but the company has stopped and started its freight services multiple times in recent years. The … [Read more...] about Thai to exit freighter services, sell off 22 aircraft
Thai eyes return to profits, begins restructuring
Thai Airways International said last week it expects to return to profit earlier than expected in the fourth quarter and will cut 1,500 jobs this year as part of a restructuring plan at the troubled national carrier. The loss-making carrier also said it would shed more than a quarter of its full-time employees by 2018, the first major job cuts announcement since the restructuring was approved last month. Thai Airways had previously said it planned to cut costs and prioritise certain … [Read more...] about Thai eyes return to profits, begins restructuring
Singapore Airlines latest to end shark fin shipments
Singapore Airlines has followed the lead of other major airlines by announcing it will end the carriage of shipments of shark fins. "SIA Cargo has been carrying out a thorough review, taking into account the increasing concerns around the world related to shark finning. With effect from August 1, it will no longer accept the carriage of shark fin," Nicholas Ionides, SIA vice-president of public affairs said in an email. The carrier came under increasing pressure from environmental … [Read more...] about Singapore Airlines latest to end shark fin shipments
Thai to resume Phuket-Hong Kong service
Thai Airways International will resume its Phuket-Hong Kong service on October 25 as part of its strategy to turn Phuket into its second hub, the Bangkok Post reported, citing its executive vice-president for commercial sales, Pruet Boobphakam. The Phuket-Hong Kong service was suspended soon after People's Alliance for Democracy protesters blockaded Bangkok's two airports late last year. Industry observers say the move is to combat the budget carrier Thai AirAsia's impending launch of flights on … [Read more...] about Thai to resume Phuket-Hong Kong service
Thai block books two B777-200Fs
Thai Airways International has signed Block Space Agreement to utilize two Boeing 777-200 Long Range Freighters operated by Southern Air Inc. The agreement makes Thai the first operator in the region to offer this capability to its cargo customers, from the most advanced B777-200LR Freighter in term of fuel efficiency and low carbon footprint freighter aircraft ever built with more than 100 tonnes carrying capacity, the carrier said. The two aircraft will arrive in early 2010 and will possibly … [Read more...] about Thai block books two B777-200Fs
