| Star
Alliance opens the door to Brazil with new Airpass
Rio de Janeiro, November 21, 2002 – Star Alliance™, the airline network for Earth, today announced the introduction of an airpass for Brazil that will make traveling around this vast and fascinating country easier and more affordable than ever before. The Star Alliance Varig Brazil Airpass, which goes on sale from January 1 next year, provides acces to 77 destinations in Brazil that are being served by almost 5,300 flights per week. Foreign nationals and Brazilians residing abroad can purchase this new product, which contains from four up to nine coupons with fares ranging from US$399 to US$899, excluding fees and taxes. “Our new Airpass offers an extremely affordable way to travel through Brazil,” said Rainer Dittrich,Director, Revenue Management, Star Alliance. “A nine-coupon itinerary may cover more than 13,000 miles of travel in Brazil and customers can choose from more than 15,000 flights within the maximum 21-day timeframe. At US$899 plus applicable taxes, this is definitely value for money .” The Star Alliance Varig Brazil Airpass is only sold in conjunction with a confirmed international Star Alliance flight to and from Brazil, or it can be purchased in South America with a condition attached that the first leg of the trip has to commence in Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo. The airpass is valid for travel on Star Alliance member VARIG Brazilian Airlines and its regional affiliates Rio-Sul and Nordeste. Full terms and conditions of the airpass are available at www.star-alliance.com. The Star Alliance Varig Brazil Airpass will complement similar Star Alliance products that are available for travel in Europe and North America. Other Star Alliance special fare offerings include Round-the-World fares and a special Circle Pacific fare. Star Alliance was established in May, 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to provide customers the benefits of global reach and a smooth travel experience. The member airlines are Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA All Nippon Airways, Austrian Airlines, bmi, Lauda Air, Lufthansa German Airlines, Mexicana Airlines, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International, Tyrolean Airways, United Airlines and VARIG Brazilian Airlines. Asiana Airlines of South Korea, LOT Polish Airlines and Spanair of Spain will join Star Alliance in 2003. The future member carriers will further strengthen the Star Alliance network which currently serves 729 airports in 124 countries with almost 11,000 daily flights. |
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| Star
Alliance voted best airline alliance in U.S. Business Traveler magazine
poll
November 21, 2002 -- Star Alliance™, the airline network for Earth, took home a clear victory as the best airline alliance in a readers’ poll conducted by the prestigious U.S. monthly magazine Business Traveler. The survey, conducted as part of the publication’s annual industry awards presentation now in its fourteenth year running, had Star Alliance in the lead in the “Alliance” category with 46-per cent of the votes – 27 percentage points ahead of the next runner-up. This was the first year an “Alliance” category was included among the awards. “It is a real honor for Star Alliance to be chosen as the leading airline alliance by such an important audience as the U.S. business traveler. From its inception, Star Alliance has been about providing customers a smooth travel experience and unified rewards and recognition, and it is gratifying to know that this group of frequent travelers applauds our efforts,” said Louise McKenven, Vice President, Loyalty and Marketing, upon accepting the award at a ceremony in New York City today. “We will continue to work diligently to find new ways to make traveling as smooth as possible across our global network,” she said. Business Traveler is a monthly publication with a circulation of 80,000. At the recent 9th Annual World Travel
Awards, which acknowledges and celebrates excellence in the world’s
travel and tourism industry, Star Alliance was voted “The World’s
Leading Airline Alliance.” Individual Star Alliance members also
received top honors, based on the votes cast by thousands of frontline
agents and travel agencies worldwide. Lufthansa was chosen as “Europe’s
leading airline,” Mexicana as “Central and Latin America’s
leading airline,” and VARIG as “South America’s leading Star Alliance was established in May, 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance. The member airlines are Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA All Nippon Airways, Austrian Airlines, bmi, Lauda Air, Lufthansa German Airlines, Mexicana Airlines, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International, Tyrolean Airways, United Airlines and VARIG Brazilian Airlines. Asiana Airlines of South Korea, LOT Polish Airlines and Spanair of Spain will join Star Alliance in 2003.The future member carriers will further strengthen the Star Alliance network which currently serves 729 airports in 124 countries with almost 11,000 daily flights |
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Earn Bonus Miles for THAI's New Destinations Thai Airways International offers 'bonus miles' for Royal Orchid Plus'members traveling on THAI's flights to any of five new destinations namely Xiamen, Geneva, Abu Dhabi, Chittagong, and Bahrain, valid from now until January 31, 2003. Mr. Tasnai Sudasna, THAI's Executive Vice President, Commercial, said this special offer aimed to promote THAI's five new destinations as well as to offer additional benefits to THAI's Royal Orchid Plus (ROP) members. ROP members will earn up to 3,500 bonus miles or double miles with each flight. Miles Earned in Economy Class Miles
Earned in Royal Executive Class For reservation and more information, please contact THAI's Reservation Office at 02-628-2000. |
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THAI Selects Consultant for Suvarnabhumi Airport Thai Airways International Public Company Limited recently prepared a Terms of Reference (TOR) for the selection of project management consultant (PMC) for the airline's activities at Suvarnabhumi Airport, according to ACM Narongsak Sangapong, Executive Vice President, Special Projects. Five companies - Design 103 Co., Ltd., MAA Consultant Co., Ltd., Architects One Hundred and Ten Co.,Ltd., Team Consulting Engineering and Management Co., Ltd., Thai Engineering Consultants Co.,Ltd. on behalf of the TCC Consortium - applied for the selection process. After a careful consideration and study
has been conducted by THAI's Selection Committee on the technical proposals,
with special emphasis on past experiences on related project/assignment,company's
status, management structure, work plan and human resources, MAA Consultant
Co., Ltd.,110 Architect Co., Ltd., Team Consulting Engineering and Management
Co., Ltd., met the requirements set by the committee and were announced
as successful applicants for the preliminary THAI will soon hold a final selection process and announce the results accordingly. Thai Airways International has recently signed an agreement with Airport of Thailand to run six main activities at Suvarnabhumi Airport namely catering, technical services, cargo, ground support equipment services, customer services and operations center. |
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| Star
Alliance launches new aircraft livery, Asiana Airlines to premiere bold
design
November 21, 2002 Asiana Airlines will
become the first airline to showcase an The new design was approved today at a meeting of the alliance’s Chief Executive Board in Rio de Janeiro and will be implemented by all member airlines. Each airline is going to paint at least one aircraft with the new livery. The operating carrier will be identified by its logo located on the forward part of the aircraft fuselage below the Star Alliance name. “Member airlines promote the Star Alliance brand through a variety of channels, one of them being the aircraft exterior,” said Jaan Albrecht, Chief Executive Officer of Star Alliance. “Our promotional livery designs have been in circulation since the beginning of the alliance. The expansion of our extensive network with the joining of new members gave us a great opportunity to look at a new promotional livery. The design which has been endorsed by the Chief Executive Board is a cost efficient, simple solution which embraces the brand values and personality of the alliance.” Star Alliance is the only airline alliance that consistently displays a promotional aircraft livery. The flying billboards, featuring Star Alliance’s unique symbol, are highly visible at airports and in the air, and serve to build Star Alliance awareness and stature around the world. Starting in March, the Star Alliance member airlines will implement the new design in a phased approach timed with scheduled maintenance or repair, or delivery of new aircraft. Star Alliance was established in May, 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to provide customers the benefits of global reach and a smooth travel experience. The member airlines are Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA All Nippon Airways, Austrian Airlines, bmi, Lauda Air, Lufthansa German Airlines,Mexicana Airlines, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International, Tyrolean Airways, United Airlines and VARIG Brazilian Airlines. Asiana Airlines of South Korea, LOT Polish Airlines and Spanair of Spain will join Star Alliance during the first half of 2003. The future member carriers will further strengthen the Star Alliance network which currently serves 729 airports in 124 countries with almost 11,000 daily flights. Note to editors: Images of the new Star Alliance aircraft
livery are available for downloading in the Press Room section of www.star-alliance.com.
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| Queen
Sirikit Medical Committee Organizes the 6th Fund Raising Gala Dinner in
Aid of Rama Thibodi Hospital Patients
27 November 2002 Thanpuying Viraya Javakul,
Chairperson of the Queen Sirikit Medical Center Organizing Committee
and Chairman of Ramathibodi Foundation Committee chaired a press conference
announcing the "6th Queen Sirikit Medical Gala". Present at
the conference were Prof. Doctor Prakit Vathesatoqkit, Dean of Ramathibodi's
Faculty of Medical Science and Director of Queen Sirikit Medical Center
and Ms. Yaowarat Techavech, Head of location team. Thanpuying Viraya
Javakul revealed that Her Majesty Queen Sirikit will graciously preside
over the 6th Queen Sirikit Medical Fund Raising Gala Dinner which is
scheduled to take place on Wednesday,December 11, 2002 at the Grand
Ballroom, Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, at 19:30 hours. The 6th Queen Highlights of the evening include a fashion
show from Del Corso presenting both long evening dresses and short cocktail
dresses, decorated with beautiful lace in pastel tone for 45 dresses,
designed by Ms. Chanya Boonnan. A newly arrived collection of Chopard
watches and jewelry from Switzerland will also be presented for the
second time following the launch last October in Paris.
Thai and international models will be presented on the catwalk to the
accompaniment of music from the famous classical VDO presentation of Phra Metta-Maha Rachinee, composed by Thanpuying Viraya Javakul will be shown at the event. Joining the event as honored guest singers include Anuratchanee Chatusripitak, Nittaya Luksanaviset, Tuenjai Sinthuwanik, Lt.Gen. Chuchatra Kampu na Ayudhaya, Phachuen Rodpothong, Phanthiwa Sinrachatanont, Soruch Jarukosol, Nichaya Thammawaranukub, Usanee Mahakijsiri, and Chalermchai Mahakijsiri. HM the King's royal composition 'In The Royal Mood' will be sung and performed by a group of volunteer performers as well as Thanpuying Viraya Javakul, Dolachai Boonyarattanavej, Saroya Javakul, Rungrat Kuisuwan, Kunyarat Boonying, Wiruj Sarobol, Sirinporn Vessarochkit, Arther Panyachot, Thongchai Lerdaroonwattana and Ph.D, Asst. Professor Duangjai Amatayakul. 'Starting at Heart Until Eternity' will be performed by well-known Thai celebrities and artists from Grammy Entertainment including Macha Wattanapanich, Sumet Ongart from Dragon Fly, Theeraphat Sajjakul, Sirisak Ithipolpanich and Pornchita Na-Songla will be singing during the evening. Sunya Kunakorn and Sinjai Plengpanich will be emcees at the event. The Queen Sirikit Medical Fund Raising Gala Dinner is a charity event which has been organized for six consecutive years hosted by Ramathibodi Hospital and Ramathibodi Foundation Committee, to commemorate the auspicious opening of Queen Sirikit Medical Center Building by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on 19 August 1996. |
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THAI Announces Board Meeting Results 27 November 2002, Thai Airways International
Public Company Limited held I. Appointment of Strategic Sub-committee The Board of Directors approved the appointment
of a Strategic Sub-committee, II. Evaluation of the President The Board of Directors approved successful
completion of probation period by Mr. III. Progress of THAI's investment at Suvarnabhumi Airport The Board of Directors acknowledged the
progress of THAI's investment plan at IV. Payment of dividend The Board of Directors determined the
date of dividend payment, which will be 30 |
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| THAI
Arranges Special Flights During Haj Pilgrimage
Thai Airways International Public Limited will arrange 15 special flights to transport Thai Muslims to Makkah in Saudi Arabia to participate in the Haj, a Muslim pilgrimage. Out of the 15 special flights, THAI will operate 13 flights on the route Hat Yai-Jeddah v.v., and 2 flights on the route Phuket-Jeddah v.v., utilizing Airbus A 300-600 aircraft, serving Thai Muslims who wish to participate in the Haj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Hat Yai - Jeddah v.v. Flight From: TG 8803: Date - 18, 20,
22, 24, 26, 28 Feb 03 and 6, 8, 10 and 12 Mar 03 Phuket - Jeddah v.v. The specially arranged flights are expected to serve approximately 4,000 Thai Muslim passengers traveling to participate in the Haj. In order to facilitate passengers' comfort and convenience, THAI has also arranged special ground and inflight services to assist passengers traveling with THAI during this period. Medical kits and inflight information guides will also be available for Muslim passengers. THAI's crew members onboard have been trained in basic emergency care for the elderly in case special assistance may be needed on board. |
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| THAI
Receives Disclosure Award 2002
Thai Airways International Public Company
Limited (THAI) received the Disclosure Award 2002 from H.E. Mr. Somkid
Jatusripitak, Finance Minister and President of the Security Exchange
Commission, for being an exemplary listed company concerning information
disclosure, at a ceremony held at the Plaza Athenee Hotel. This year was the first year that the
Disclosure Award was presented to awardees by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC). Forty listed companies were selected out
of a total of 115 companies that participated in the program. The award
program was initiated to encourage listed companies to set an example
for other companies to engage in good governance in the future and also
to establish credibility in the Thai investment market.
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| THAI
Clarifies Incident Involving Flight TG429
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited clarifies incident involving flight TG429, operating on the route Bangkok-Penang. According to Capt. Udomchai Nandamanop, THAI's Executive Vice President Operations, on 14 November 2002, Thai Airways International flight TG429 operating on the route Bangkok-Penang,utilising Airbus 300-600 aircraft, registration HS-TAY, departed from Bangkok at 12.41 hours and arrived at Penang International Airport 15.54 hours (local time). The flight carried a total of 238 passengers, and 13 crew members. After landing at Penang International
Airport, as the aircraft turned into the taxiway, the aircraft was suddenly
immobilised and the pilot contacted THAI airport technicians to find
out the cause. It was found that the rear left wheels were over
the edge of the taxiway. Cargo was then offloaded before towing
the aircraft to the pier. Further inspection was conducted on
the aircraft and the rear tyres were replaced. The aircraft was
able to resume its normal flight schedule TG430 operating from Penang
to All passengers were disembarked normally
and assisted by THAI ground service staff at Penang International Airport.
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| THAI
Signs Contract with Paradorn Srichapan and extends support to the Lawn
Tennis Association of Thailand
7 November 2002, Thai Airways International
Public Company Limited, led by Mr. Kanok Kanok Abhiradee, THAI's President, said, "As the national flag carrier, THAI has continued to place strong emphasis on promoting and supporting sport activities and Thai athletes, especially the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand which has produced many internationally recognised stars both male and female, who had indeed made good name for Thailand,". Under the contract, Paradorn Srichapan
is entitled to: In addition to these privileges, a one-million-baht
cash award was made to Paradorn Srichapan in return for his acceptance
as the airline's presenter for a socially active project "Believe
in Paradorn", which includes the following activities: THAI will also offer additional air ticket
barter agreement sponsorship to the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand
as follows: THAI has rendered its support to the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand since 1993, in the total amount of almost 20 million baht. |
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11 November 2002 - Her Royal Highness
Princess Galyani Vadhana graciously presided over the gala dinner to
celebrate Thai Airways International's inaugural flight on the route
Bangkok - Athens -Geneva v.v, as part of the Winter Schedule 2002/3.
THAI organized a four- days trip to Geneva, attended by its management
and on this THAI launched its first flight to Geneva on 28 November 2002, utilizing Boeing 777-300 aircraft, capable of accommodating 388 passengers, with 49 business class and 339 economy class seats. THAI is scheduled to operate 3 weekly flights to Geneva every Monday, Thursday and Saturday. Dr. Thanong Bidaya, THAI's Chairman,
said, "With flight operations between Bangkok and Geneva, THAI
aims to serve the diplomatic traffic to and from Thailand. We know that
many large international organizations as well as humanitarian institutions
are located in Geneva. We are certain that this operation, adding to
the other five new THAI plans to introduce twice daily flights
on THAI's main European routes including THAI is taking a more proactive approach
in all areas of its operations Geneva, one of the leading cities in Switzerland, is located between the Alps and the Jura mountains, at the extreme southwest of Switzerland and Lake Geneva. It is the third largest city in Switzerland with a population of around 180,000. Geneva exports a range of products including mechanical appliances, chemicals and automobile products. Currently, THAI flies to two major cities
in Switzerland - Zurich and Geneva - offering a total of 10 flights
weekly. THAI operates to a total of 72 international destinations |
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THAI Opens Town Office in Xiamen, the People's Republic of China Dr. Thanong Bidaya, Chairman, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, together with members of THAI's board, representatives from travel agents, guests and members of the press recently traveled on board THAI's inaugural flight to Xiamen, the People's Republic of China. Dr.Thanong Bidaya also chaired the official opening of THAI's office in Xiamen. Present as honored guests were H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Ambassador of Thailand to the People's Republic of China and Ms.Huang Ling, Vice Mayor of Xiamen Municiple Government. Dr. Thanong Bidaya, THAI's Chairman,
said, "THAI has launched its inaugural flight to Xiamen on 29 October
2002, and we are very pleased that many tourists both Thai and international,
have shown immense interest to travel to Xiamen. Xiamen is THAI's newest
destination, and we believe that it will further strengthen the Asian
segment of THAI's global network. THAI's operations to China will not
only help bring a closer tie between the two countries, but also encourage
the overall expansion of culture, Xiamen is located in the south of Fujian province with Fuzhou as the capital city and is one of the four special economic regions, producing a range of products including beverages, leather and electrical appliances. Xiamen was recently voted China's cleanest city with a number of tourist attractions. THAI's office is located in the main lobby of the International Plaza, which is situated along the seaside and opposite the Gulangyu Island or the Piano Island. Conveniently located, the office is near the shopping area called Zhong Shan Road and 20 kilometres from Xiamen International Airport and a short distance from Xiamen railway station. The address is:
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited,
Xiamen Office THAI operates on the route Bangkok - Xiamen v.v., utilizing Airbus 300-600 aircraft, capable of accommodating 247 passenger, with 46 business class and 201 economy class seats. THAI is scheduled to operate 3 weekly flights to Xiamen every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. On this occasion, there was the Opening Ceremony of the Thai Food Festival which is being held at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, Harbourview, Xiamen between 29 October - 28 November 2002. The Thai Food Festival was organized and hosted by THAI and the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, Harbourview, Xiamen. |
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THAI Enhances Passenger Services at Domestic Airports Thai Airways International recently introduced "Return Flight Check-In" and "Gate Check-In Services" for passengers traveling return domestic flights at domestic airports, in an effort to enhance passenger convenience. The new passenger services will take effect as of 1 November 2002 onwards. Mrs. Rhatchaya Pamon-Montri, THAI's Managing Director, Customer Services Department said that passengers traveling on flights to any THAI domestic destination may take advantage of the airline's "Return Flight Check-In" service at the THAI check-in counter prior to flight departure, whereby passengers will receive boarding passes for both legs of their trip. In order to qualify for this service, passengers must hold a confirmed reservation and the flight must depart within the next 24 hours,beginning from the initial time of flight departure. On the return flight, passengers using
this service must contact ground staff at the boarding gate 30
minutes prior to flight departure. Passengers with luggage required
to contact ground staff at THAI's check-in counter for loading of luggage
onto the flight before proceed to the boarding gate. As for passengers
requiring cancellation or change of flights, they must contact THAI's
Office located at the airport or THAI's Sales Office at least 2 hours
prior to the flight departure time as specified on the In addition, THAI also announced that
"Gate Check-In Service" was also introduced to passengers
with confirmed reservations traveling without checked luggage whose
flights are departing from Bangkok's Don Muang Airport through THAI's
domestic network. THAI's "Gate Check-In Service" is
an additional passenger flight check-in service that will reduce passenger
congestion at the airline check-in counter, THAI passengers may take advantage of "Return Flight Check-In" and "Gate Check-In Services" as of 1 November 2002 onwards. |
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THAI to
Cater for the 20th World Scout Jamboree
Thai Airways International said it has been selected by the government to provide meal packages for more than 18,000 youths and officials from 150 countries attending the 20th World Scout Jamboree,which is scheduled to take place in Thailand during 28 December 2002 - 7 January 2003 at Hadyao,Sattahip, Cholburi Province. Pismai Chandrubeksa, THAI's Managing Director, Catering Services, said THAI will provide 18,000 meal packages a day, mainly packs, but also with breakfast and dinner on certain days. "Owing to the fact that we have participants from all over the world, THAI has arranged a wide selection of international dishes to suit people of different nationalities, placing special emphasis on hygiene, nutritional value and the fact that meal packages should be easy to carry when participants are taking part in an activity," said Pismai Chandrubeksa. The meals will be prepared at THAI catering facility located at Don Muang and stored to ensure its freshness during a 3-hour delivery. THAI has prepared six menus for this event comprising one main dish, one bakery dish and one dessert. THAI catering has long been recognised for its skills and expertise in meal production which is accepted at international standard for its safety and hygiene. In 1998, THAI was selected as the official caterer for the 1998 ASEAN GAME held in Thailand. In addition, a range of certificates have been awarded to THAI Catering including ISO 9002, ISO 14002, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Good Manufacturing Products (GMP). |
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