| THAI
Announces Board Meeting Results
27 December 2001, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited held a Board of Directors' Meeting, chaired by Mr. Virabongsa Ramangkura, THAI's Chairman, with the following results: 1. Selection of THAI's President In accordance with the Standard Quality
of Directors and State Enterprise Employees Act 2001 (Issue No. 4),
the Board of Directors concluded that the composition of the selection
committee was incomplete and that
the search for THAI's President should be reopened. In order to speed
up the process of appointing a new THAI President, the Board must appoint
a new Selection Committee after which the committee must select THAI's
President within 30 days. The existing candidates remain 2. Increasing Flight Operations During
the New Year Period 3. Establishment of Transport Safety
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| THAI
Holds Annual General Shareholders' Meeting 2001
20 December 2001,Thai Airways International Public Company Limited held its Annual General Shareholders' Meeting today, chaired by Mr. Virabongsa Ramangkura, THAI's Chairman and Acting President, at the airline's Head Office on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. Participants included members of THAI's Board of Directors, the airline management, senior executives, and shareholders, and the following issues were discussed: 1. THAI's Financial Results 2000/2001 were reported as follows: THAI achieved a total revenue of 130,576 million baht during financial year 2000/2001 (October 2000 - September 2001) and a net profit of 1,929 million baht. When compared to the same period last year, the net profit decreased by 2,788 million baht or 59.11 percent. Net profit was equivalent to 1.38 baht per share, which last year was 3.37 baht per share, due to increased fuel cost. Fuel and oil expenses increased by 5,630 million baht, due to the higher cost of fuel in the world market and weakening of Thai baht. In addition, losses were incurred due to changes in the value of company loans made in foreign currency amounting to 3,910 million baht, an increase of 609 million baht when compared to the same period last year. Accumulated losses, adjusted from the net profit, amounted to 7,255 million baht. According to the State Enterprise Act, Clause 115, payment of dividends is prohibited when the company has accumulated losses; therefore, dividend payment was suspended for this year. 2. Appointment of New Members of THAI's Board of Directors Following the resignation of THAI's previous Board of Directors from their positions on 17 December 2001, in order to prepare for selection of THAI's new Board, the Board of Directors has been appointed. THAI's new Board of Directors held a meeting to select the Chairman and Vice Chairmen, as follows: 1. Mr. Virabongsa Ramangkura Chairman The appointment of THAI's Board of Directors takes immediate effect. Attending THAI's Annual General Shareholders' Meeting were 816 shareholders, representing 1,306,052,876 million shares. In addition, THAI's Board of Directors
has approved of the appointment of Mr. Kobchai Srivilas, Managing Director
of Technical Services, as Acting President of Thai Airways International
Public Company Limited, Acting Secretary of THAI's Board of Directors,
and THAI's Acting Spokesman, in addition to his present position, until
a new President is officially selected. |
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| THAI
Turns Crisis into Opportunity, says Virabongsa
Mr. Virabongsa Ramangura, Chairman and
Acting President of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited
recently chaired the official opening of the two-day TG commercial Conference
2001, organized under the theme “Turning Crisis into Opportunity”
on 14-15 December 2001, at the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel. Over
200 general managers worldwide and THAI senior executives from Revenue
Planning & Management, Industry Relations & Commercial Support,
Sales & Distribution, Inflight Customer Services and Cargo &
Mail Commercial Departments attended the Mr. Tasnai Sudasna, Executive Vice President
Commercial, said at the end of the conference that the Commercial Department
was one of the revenue-generating functions for THAI as well as Thailand
in the area of travel and tourism. The aviation industry came almost
to a halt after the terrorist attack in the US, but the crisis had turned
into opportunity for Thailand due to its neutral status and the fact
that The Commercial Department has established
various plans to bring more visitors to Thailand in year 2002 as follows: The conference allowed the executives
and general managers to exchange ideas and suggest measures which may
be applied to tackle the downturn in the industry worldwide. A 10 per
cent drop in revenue from sales was expected next year. The Americas
and East Asia bore most of the impact as a result of the September attacks.
THAI has therefore established measures in response to the current demand
in these markets as follows: THAI has also set strategies for Asian
markets to attract tourists to Thailand as follows: According to the reports, markets in Indochina, Union of Myanmar, South Asia, Middle East countries, Southeast Asia, Australasia, Europe and Africa and Area Thailand, are the least affected when compared to other areas. Therefore, tourists were seen to shift their travel trend to these parts of the world. THAI plans to improve its flight time table, flight frequency and aircraft utilization in order to accommodate the travel demand in these areas appropriately. THAI, together with other government
and private establishments including the Tourism Authority of Thailand
(TAT), Thai Hotel Association (THA), Association of Domestic Travel
and Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), will organize a road show
to promote Thai travel and tourism in foreign countries such as Australia,
New Zealand, THAI also supports the ASEAN Tourism
Forum 2002, which will take place in January 2001, in Indonesia, and
the Arabian Travel Mart 2002 (ATM), to be held in May 2002, in the U.A.E.,
to further promote the Thailand travel and tourism industry among overseas
travelers. |
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| THAI's
Royal Orchid Plus Signs Contract with Imperial Hotels Group
19 December 2001, Mr. Pandit Chanapai, Thai Airways International's Director, Product Development, signed a contract with Mr. Prapansak Bhatayanond, Senior Executive Vice President, the Imperial Hotels Group, for added benefits to THAI's ROP members, at the H?tel Plaza Ath?n?e Bankok. Mr. Tasnai Sudasna, THAI's Executive Vice President, Commercial, said that "One of THAI's top priorities is to develop and improve service quality standard in order to maximize customers' satisfaction. This partnership enables THAI to offer ROP members a wider range of accommodation choices. Customers may chose to stay at the H?tel Plaza Ath?n?e in Bangkok or at any hotel in the Imperial Hotels Group throughout Thailand." The hotels available for ROP members
are as follows: From now until 15 February 2002, ROP
members, who chose to stay at the H?tel Plaza Ath?n?e or at any of the
Imperial Group hotels, are entitled to additional privilege of double
mileage accumulation from these hotels. |
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| THAI
Announces Board Meeting Results
17 December 2001, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited held a Board of Directors' Meeting, chaired by THAI's Chairman and Acting President Mr. Virabongsa Ramangkura, with the following results: 1. Selection of THAI's President 2. Appointment of TAT Representative
as Company Advisor 3. Function Rename 4. Change of Function Line of Command
5. Management Appointment 6. Donations in cash or kind, tickets
and baggage allowance |
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THAI introduces Service to Chengdu, the People's Republic of China 2 January 2002, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited will launch its first flight on the route Bangkok-Chengdu v.v., the People's Republic of China, as part of the Winter Schedule 2001/02. Mr. Virabongsa Ramangkura, THAI's Chairman and Acting President, said, "I am proud that THAI is one of the pioneering airlines to operate to Chengdu. The town has become increasingly popular among overseas visitors as it is a gateway to Tibet and houses a range of interesting sites and attractions. As for its ecological importance, Chengdu is the home of Giant Panda and other endangered animals species. Various world heritage sites are also found there," "THAI's current services to 4 destinations in China have shown an increasing number of passengers over the past year, therefore, operating into Chengdu will further enhance the opportunity for both Thai and Chinese travelers to visit both Thailand and China as well to experience arts and cultures of the two countries. In addition, this will encourage overseas visitors to travel to Thailand, consequently boosting Thailand's tourism industry." THAI will operate on the route Bangkok-Chengdu v.v., utilizing Airbus 300-600 aircraft, capable of accommodating 247 passengers: with 46 business class and 201 economy class seats. THAI is scheduled to operate 3 weekly flights to Chengdu every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Chengdu, being the capital of Sichuan Province in the People's Republic of China has a population of almost ten million people, situated about 1600 kilometres due west of Shianghai. "Chengdu" could be translated as "Perfect City". Chengdu is also considered to be the centre of civil aviation, where almost 20 of airlines are established, leading directly to Beijing, Hong Kong and every major city in the country. Only 150 kilometres away from Chengdu, in the Himalaya Mountains, are some of the last wild giant pandas left on earth. In addition, Chengdu's cuisine has been described as "one of China's most outstanding". Currently, THAI flies to 4 major cities
in the People's Republic of China - Kunming, Guang Zhou, Beijing, and
Shanghai - offering a total of 31 flights weekly. Operations into Chengdu
will consequently add to the list, making a total of 5 THAI's destinations
to the People's Republic of China. |
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| THAI
Organizes the 2nd Commercial Conference Systemwide 2001 14 December 2001, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited launched a two-day TG Commercial Conference 2001 under the theme Turning Crisis into Opportunity during 14-15 December 2001, at the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel. The official opening of the conference was chaired by Mr. Virabongsa Ramangura, THAI’s Chairman and Acting President and attended by 200 general managers worldwide and THAI senior executives. The conference will be conducted by Mr.Tasnai Sudasna, Executive Vice President Commercial. The conference provides an opportunity for participants to deliver and exchange ideas as well as present problems being experienced at each station. The company’s policy and operational strategies were also given in order to develop effective guidelines especially in areas of sales promotions, planning, services, cargo, cooperation with alliance partners, travel and tourism and marketing. The slump in the travel and tourism industry worldwide has prompted airlines including THAI to come up with a range of incentive programs to promote travel and tourism. Mr. Tasnai Sudasna said, “THAI must continue to develop and target to reposition itself as a leading carrier in Asia-Pacific and among one of the world’s best carriers. Thailand has a lot to offer to visitors, especially our unique culture, cuisine and a wide range of fruits and orchids. THAI combines these into our service; our crew are courteous and polite, and the Thai smile and “wai” greetings have captured the heart of many visitors,” Briefings about operations and progress of functions under the Commercial Department have been conducted on the first half of the first day of the conference. A workshop session has been organized in the afternoon, allowing participants to discuss and exchange ideas in depth. A briefing under the theme “Turning Crisis into Opportunity” will be conducted on the second day of the conference. Back to index... |
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THAI Introduces Mutual Separation Plan Thai Airways International recently announced a Mutual Separation Plan or Early Retirement Programme under the regulations of the Ministry of Finance. Mr. Virabongsa Ramangkura, THAI's Chairman and Acting President said that THAI has adopted the plan in order to provide sufficient competition with private organizations. In addition, the objective of the Mutual Separation Plan is to control the size of the organization by adjusting the amount of staff to an appropriate number. It also aims to provide the opportunity for THAI staff who have been working with THAI for an extensive period, the chance to choose an alternative career according to their preferences. Qualifications of THAI staff who are eligible to apply for this programme include working with THAI for at least 20 years continuously. It is anticipated that there will be approximately 1,000 applicants. The application must be made on a voluntarily basis between the staff and Thai Airways International with mutual consent of both parties. The Mutual Separation Plan will be open for applications once a year and this year's application forms may be collected between December 17, 2001 - January 15, 2001 and should be submitted by January 20, 2001. The Mutual Separation Plan will be effective from April 1, 2001. There will be no further consideration of re-hiring those who have adopted the plan, to return to THAI as employees. |
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| THAI
Announces Results of Executive Management Meeting
11 December 2001, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited today held its Executive Management Meeting chaired by Mr. Virabongsa Ramangkura, THAI’s Chairman and Acting President, with the following results: 1. THAI Resumes Flight Operations to Europe via Iran and to Pakistan and Oman The management has approved, with immediate
effect, Thai Airways International’s In addition, from 16th December and 25th December 2001, THAI will resume flight operations to Pakistan on the route Bangkok-Karachi-Muscat v.v. and Bangkok-Lahore v.v., respectively. The management was informed that the situation in the Middle East has improved and the Pakistan Civil Aviation has reconfirmed that it is safe for airlines to enter its air space. The situation at Karachi and Lahore airports has returned to normal, adding to an increase of passengers and cargo demand especially at the end of the Ramadan period. The management has approved the resumption of THAI’s flight operations to Pakistan and Oman, following its temporary suspension since 8 October 2001, after the US attacks in Afghanistan. All these flight operations decisions
are in line with those of other major international |
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| THAI
Meets Agents and Tourism Associations to Discuss Air Fare Hike
3 December 2001, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, together with the four main Thai tourism associations – Association of Thai Travel Agents, Thai Hotel Association, Association of Domestic Tour and PATA Thailand Chapter – held a meeting to discuss ways to help alleviate Thailand’s domestic travel situation. The meeting was attended by Mr. Tasnai Sudasna, THAI’s Executive Vice President Commercial, Mr. Saneh Jotikasatien, First Vice President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, Mr. Chanin Donavanik, President of the Thai Hotel Association, Mr. Chareon Wang-ananont, President of the Association of Domestic Tour and Mr. Lucia A. Mattsik, President of PATA Thailand Chapter. Representatives from the agents and hotels understood why THAI had to increase its domestic airfare: the airline was operating at a loss of over 2,000 million baht a year. However, THAI should ensure that the fare hike should not severely affect Thailand’s travel and tourism industry and that passengers should be informed well in advance. The meeting also agreed on the following issues: 1. Agents who have already sold their
package tours at the pre-increase fares, are required to submit the
group bookings and passengers’ names to THAI by 15 December 2001.
THAI has agreed to let these agents use the previous fares. In addition, THAI has set up a range
of travel and airfare promotion projects including the recently introduced
Discover Thailand Fares 2002. Between 1 November – 31 December
2001, the Discover Thailand Fares 2002 aims to attract overseas visitors
to travel to any three domestic destinations in Thailand at a price
of only USD149. Visitors THAI’s in-house Royal Orchid Holidays program also offers Euarng Luang Tour Thailand for Thai travelers and the Royal Orchid Holidays Package for overseas travelers, both of which are valid between 1 November 2001 to 31 March 2002. Back to index... |
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THAI Announces Results of Executive Management Meeting 3 December 2001, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited today held its Executive Management Meeting chaired by Mr. Virabongsa Ramangkura, THAI's Chairman and Acting President, with the following results: 1. Approval of Terms of Reference (TOR) to Select Inflight Duty Free Sales Company THAI's Management approved the draft
Terms of Reference (ToR), which will be used in selecting an experienced
and reputable company specializing in inflight duty free sales, to replace
King Power Onboard and Services Limited (KPO) whose contract will expire
in March 2002. THAI stipulated the following measures
for bidding inflight duty free companies: THAI will begin to announce the Terms of Reference (ToR) for selection of an inflight duty free sales company on 3 December 2001 with advertisements published in Thailand and overseas. The final day for interested parties to submit their interest in bidding is set for 13 December 2001, the last day for proposal submissions being on 4 January 2002, and selection of the winning inflight duty free sales company to take place on 22 January 2002. 2. Adjustments to Flight Schedule Due to Effects of 11 September 2001 Terrorist Attacks THAI's Management approved implementation of the following adjustments to the flight schedule and aircraft types used on certain sectors, to cushion the effects of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks: 1. The Management approved the decision to change aircraft types on flight Bangkok-London v.v., replacing the Boeing 747-300s with Boeing 747-400s. THAI's Boeing 747-300s normally used on this route will be utilized on the Bangkok-Sydney-Auckland v.v. route instead, the aircraft alteration being initiated in order to increase the cargo payload on the Bangkok-London v.v. route. 2. The Management approved the decision to change aircraft types and increase flight frequency on flights routed Bangkok-Delhi v.v., from Airbus A330-300 operating seven flights per week to be replaced with Boeing 777-200/300 aircraft at six flights per week. This aircraft has the same amount of passenger seating capacity but is capable of carrying more cargo payload, which will increase profitability while decreasing expenses. The Airbus A330-300 normally used on this route will be utilized on the Bangkok-Hong Kong v.v. route instead. 3. The Management has increased flight frequency on the route Bangkok-Dubai v.v. from three flights to four flights per week, effective as of 16 December 2001, due to increased passenger traffic. 4. As a result of the terrorist attacks on America, confirmed advanced passenger bookings on the route Bangkok-Los Angeles v.v. comprise only 40 percent of all advanced bookings made through to March 2002. Therefore, THAI has decided to decrease flights from six flights per week to operate three flights per week. THAI will utilize the Boeing 747-400 aircraft, previously flown on the cancelled Los Angeles flights on the route Bangkok-Sydney-Melbourne v.v. in lieu of MD-11 aircraft. The MD-11 aircraft will be utilized on the route Bangkok-Paris v.v., replacing Boeing 747-400 aircraft. THAI will also increase flights on the route Bangkok-Osaka v.v. from four flights per week to operate daily, these flight frequencies and aircraft utilization plans taking effect as of 16 January 2002 onwards. 3. Preparations to Open New Destination, Chengdu THAI's Management has approved that ground operations will be established in Chengdu, China. The two parties to provide ground services to THAI in Chengdu are: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CSIA) which will provide ramp and cargo handling as well as flight operations services and China Southwest Airlines (SZ) which will provide passenger and technical handling. Investment for equipment to be used at THAI's new station in Chengdu amounts to 1,130,000 baht. THAI will operate on the route Bangkok-Chengdu v.v. three flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, utilizing Boeing 737-400 aircraft, effective as from 1 January 2002. 4. THAI's Second Aircraft Maintenance Center in Utapao Receives FAA Certification THAI's Second Aircraft Maintenance Center
in Utapao recently received an Air Agency Certificate from the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), the maintenance center being capable
of conducting overhaul checks on Boeing 747-400 aircraft, effective
from 30 November 2001 onwards. The FAA Air Agency Certificate enables
THAI to expand its maintenance services to conduct Boeing 747-400 overhauls
on its own aircraft as well as those of customer airlines. |
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