Airline News

**The Bold Rodney** · 01-08-2011, 02:38 AM

Originally Posted by Rural Surin

I find that hard to believe that one can't locate a connection from BKK to Darwin [from a major Asian port].

Life is full of surprises...get over it or simply try flying from an airport! apart from that...who in their right mind wants to fly to Darwin?

Ooops...forgot...sorry "toomy" does but lets face it he's NOT exactly the full ticket!

**StrontiumDog** · 07-08-2011, 09:43 AM

Bangkok Post : THAI weighs plans to revamp fleet

THAI weighs plans to revamp fleet

Published: 7/08/2011 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News

Thai Airways International needs a major revamp of its fleet to maintain its leading status in the region and to deal with fierce competition from Middle Eastern airlines, its head says.

DON’T CUT THE RED WIRE: Thai Airways International president Piyasvasti Amranand, left, talks to Airbus executives during a recent visit to Airbus headquarters in Toulouse.

THAI president Piyasvasti Amranand said the airline needed to modernise its fleet to be efficient and meet safety standards. New planes will also help restore lost market share in Europe.

A new fleet will help cut the costs of maintenance and fuel and allow THAI to adjust to the changing demands of air passengers. A recession in Europe and the United States has reduced the number of long-haul passengers, just as Asian demand is peaking.

The company won cabinet approval on April 21 for a plan to procure 75 aircraft worth 457 billion baht from this year to 2022.

In the first phase of the procurement from this year to 2017, THAI will receive 37 planes to replace 50 old planes which have been used for 11.7 years on average.

Of the 37 planes, THAI will buy 15 worth 49.53 billion baht and rent 22 worth 69 billion baht. The lease will speed up the procurement and the new planes will be operated on intercontinental, regional, and domestic routes.

From next year to 2015, THAI will receive five bought Airbus A320 aircraft and six rented ones of the same type.

In August next year, THAI will receive its first Airbus A380-800 and all six of this type will have been delivered by October 2013.

THAI will receive four bought Airbus A350-900 planes and eight rented ones of the same type in 2016 and 2017.

For the second phase from 2018 to 2022 covering 38 aircraft, THAI has not selected the types of aircraft it will need. The selection will depend on its future study on aviation markets. The airline president once specified needed aircraft well in advance, but found that reduced THAI's bargaining power. "The aircraft market has shifted from a buyer's market to a seller's. The delay in specifying the aircraft needed will enable us to bargain for cheaper planes," Mr Piyasvasti said.

Aircraft producers are making planes with lower fuel consumption because the oil price has been increasing. From 1990 to 1998, the oil price was US$20 per barrel. It has increased since 2000 and was at US$100 in 2008. It is expected to reach US$120 in 2016.

Jerome Grau, Airbus' marketing director for Southeast Asia, said global air traffic doubles every 15 years and in the next 20 years the world would need 1,740 very large aircraft, 6,240 twin-aisle aircraft and 17,870 single-aisle aircraft.

In 2029, airlines in the Asia-Pacific region would be leaders in aviation business and inter-city travel demands would rise by over half, he added.

Industry research projects the number of air passengers will increase by 53% and the amount of air freight will rise by 64% over the next three years. In Thailand, the number of international air passengers will increase by 5.3% annually while domestic will rise by 4.2% annually from this year to 2017. From 2018 to 2022 the number of international passengers and domestic passengers should go up by 4.4% and 3.4% annually respectively.

**nostromo** · 07-08-2011, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by The Bold Rodney

Originally Posted by Rural Surin

I find that hard to believe that one can't locate a connection from BKK to Darwin [from a major Asian port].

Life is full of surprises...get over it or simply try flying from an airport! apart from that...who in their right mind wants to fly to Darwin?

Ooops...forgot...sorry "toomy" does but lets face it he's NOT exactly the full ticket!

I did fly from Bangkok to Darwin once. Bloody mistake. The train across Aus dont leave so often. So I was with aussies with loser t-shirts (i mean those sleeveless undershirts, and at the mall) and drunken abos at the pavement.

**jandajoy** · 07-08-2011, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by OhOh

Jetstar do a flight BKK - Singapore - Darwin

True but you have to overnight in singapore.

**terry57** · 07-08-2011, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by nostromo

And drunken abos at the pavement.

Holly fuk mate, don't say that, you'll send Willy and his girlfriend JJ into a spin.

They where not drunk mate but merely resting. Just come of the red eye from Alice Springs, Tax payer funded of course.

**terry57** · 07-08-2011, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by drawp

The good news is that AirAsia will be opening a Chiang Mai <-> Macau route later this year.

That is good news, pain in the arse getting into Hong Kong from there fuking around changing money, customs and the boat trip.

Great for entry into China though.

**IceSpike** · 07-08-2011, 05:59 PM

You can Charter a Cessna direct Utapo-Darwin from Thai Flying School, low price too.

**harrybarracuda** · 07-08-2011, 06:41 PM

Originally Posted by IceSpike

You can Charter a Cessna direct Utapo-Darwin from Thai Flying School, low price too.

That's interesting. Can you charter one to Angeles?

**IceSpike** · 07-08-2011, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Originally Posted by IceSpike

You can Charter a Cessna direct Utapo-Darwin from Thai Flying School, low price too.

That's interesting. Can you charter one to Angeles?

Yes you can!
Direct to Clark or Subic Bay.

**harrybarracuda** · 07-08-2011, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by IceSpike

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Originally Posted by IceSpike

You can Charter a Cessna direct Utapo-Darwin from Thai Flying School, low price too.

That's interesting. Can you charter one to Angeles?

Yes you can!
Direct to Clark or Subic Bay.

Wow I'd love to fly into Subic. How much do you reckon it would cost?

**IceSpike** · 07-08-2011, 07:12 PM

Estimate 160,000 Bt with 8 seats. 20000 bt each pax. Round Trip!
Divide it up with some Mates your Flying Cheap. better than first class. BYOB.
We did this in Feb to Macau from U-Tapao.

**Tom Sawyer** · 07-08-2011, 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by The Bold Rodney

Ooops...forgot...sorry "toomy" does but lets face it he's NOT exactly the full ticket!

Ahh the irony. Thanks for the laugh Rodney.

**IceSpike** · 07-08-2011, 08:11 PM

Thai Air Asia is good. Just Like BTS. Actually, who cares if you get a seat? Just need a Ride to the next destination.

**StrontiumDog** · 20-08-2011, 05:48 PM

Bangkok Post : THAI sister airline launch set for 2012

THAI sister airline launch set for 2012

Published: 20/08/2011 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News

Thai Airways (THAI) has announced the creation of a sub-brand airline called Thai Smile yesterday.

Ampon Kittiampon, chairman of the airline's board, said the board had approved the establishment of the airline, which is a business unit affiliated with THAI.

Thai Smile will start flying in July next year. Mr Ampon characterised it as a light-premium airline segmented between full-service and low-cost.

THAI president Piyasvasti Amranand said the moniker was chosen from 2,229 entries in a naming contest.

He said Thai Smile will operate using THAI's TG airline code with 11 Airbus A320 planes in its fleet, four of which are slated for delivery next year.

''The airline's fares will be appropriately priced,'' he said. ''I'm confident it will be competitive in the airline market.''

Thai Smile will not affect THAI's plans to also launch Thai Tiger Airways (TTA), a discount carrier in partnership with Singapore's Tiger Airways, which will materialise ''as soon as possible''.

Despite fierce competition in the fast-growing low-cost airline market, there is room for TTA to be a viable operation, said Mr Piyasvasti.

Thai Smile and TTA will not undercut each other because they are seeking different groups of customers. THAI also operates another budget airline, Nok Air.

Mr Piyasvasti has discussed the proposed airlines with Transport Minister ACM Sukampol Suwannathat.

Woranate Laprabang, THAI executive vice-president for new airline units, said Thai Smile would initially fly short-haul flights one to two hours from Bangkok.

Flights on high-traffic routes will be frequent and schedules made convenient for passengers connecting to THAI flights.

In the first year of operation, Thai Smile will fly to Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chiang Rai and Surat Thani. In 2013, the airline will begin operating short-haul international routes within Asean, and to India and China.

Mr Woranate said he hoped Thai Smile would start turning an annual profit of around 5 billion baht in 2013. The airline will offer a meal service, free baggage allowances and mileage accrual, he said. Tickets will be sold mainly online.

**jandajoy** · 21-08-2011, 01:28 AM

^ Good.

Now, let's have Chiang Rai to Singapore.

**thehighlander959** · 25-08-2011, 11:38 AM

And whats going to happen to Thai Airways? When all these LCC get the green light and start operations.
I dislike Thai anyway because of their old aeroplanes and poor service.
I am not sure if this is an improvement or not, have to wait and see. But am not expecting to much from Thai as per usual.

**BobR** · 25-08-2011, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by robuzo

Bob- " USA INCLUDING a 2 week rental car from Avis for $1219"; is there a "special deals" section on Orbitz, or if you search for flights does that sort of thing pop up automatically? I definitely need a car when I go back. Actually, what I find is that the car rental is usually very cheap, it's the damned insurance and taxes that double the price (or worse).

The taxes are included and so long as you use a Mastercard, Visa or Amex to book the trip, they provide the collision insurance which covers only damage to the rental car at no extra charge. In most States (but not California) the rental agency is required to provide liability coverage as part of the deal. That's all you need. The rental counter people will try to badmouth the credit card plans, but in truth they work just fine.
There is no greater waste of money than buying redundant insurance. Check with your bank (usually website) and it will tell you if your credit card issuing bank includes the free collision damage insurance as one of their credit card bonuses, most do.

**robuzo** · 25-08-2011, 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by BobR

Originally Posted by robuzo

Bob- " USA INCLUDING a 2 week rental car from Avis for $1219"; is there a "special deals" section on Orbitz, or if you search for flights does that sort of thing pop up automatically? I definitely need a car when I go back. Actually, what I find is that the car rental is usually very cheap, it's the damned insurance and taxes that double the price (or worse).

The taxes are included and so long as you use a Mastercard, Visa or Amex to book the trip, they provide the collision insurance which covers only damage to the rental car at no extra charge. In most States (but not California) the rental agency is required to provide liability coverage as part of the deal. That's all you need. The rental counter people will try to badmouth the credit card plans, but in truth they work just fine.
There is no greater waste of money than buying redundant insurance. Check with your bank (usually website) and it will tell you if your credit card issuing bank includes the free collision damage insurance as one of their credit card bonuses, most do.

Mine definitely does include the CDW, but the liability usually costs a fair amount. I usually rent in CA and FL, and liability is required in both those states. Those states also have a hell of a lot of uninsured motorists, but that is a topic for another thread. . .

**KAPPA** · 25-08-2011, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by thehighlander959

I dislike Thai anyway because of their old aeroplanes and poor service.

This guy has done wonders.

Originally Posted by post

THAI president Piyasvasti Amranand

Thai Air ran the ad for a president ran for some time, the period to apply was even extended. They begged this guy to come aboard for a while, and he did provided he was given free hand. He got a loat of flack with raising prices, but it has paid off, I guess with this new venture.

I've always preferred the Boeing, the planes are old , but I have confidence in the integrity of the maintenance. I like 4 engines on a long haul.
I don't any budget Asian airlines, but this one, I might.

**BobR** · 25-08-2011, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by KAPPA

Originally Posted by thehighlander959

I dislike Thai anyway because of their old aeroplanes and poor service.

This guy has done wonders.

Originally Posted by post

THAI president Piyasvasti Amranand

Thai Air ran the ad for a president ran for some time, the period to apply was even extended. They begged this guy to come aboard for a while, and he did provided he was given free hand. He got a loat of flack with raising prices, but it has paid off, I guess with this new venture.

I've always preferred the Boeing, the planes are old , but I have confidence in the integrity of the maintenance. I like 4 engines on a long haul.
I don't any budget Asian airlines, but this one, I might.

I like Thai but honestly do not see how they stay in business with their prices. I was looking at taking a short Hong Kong trip with a Thai friend after returning from the USA in October. Emarates is about $275 on an A380, Thai is over $1200 on a who knows what.

The same with the USA trip; it's not worth $1200 just to avoid a 3 hour layover in China.

**thehighlander959** · 26-08-2011, 01:43 AM

This guy can do as many wonders as he likes with Thai Airyways. The main problem is their aircraft are old,outdated and their flight product is poor as I said before.
You said you have confidence in the integrity of the maintenance of Boeings,are you telling me you have no confidence in the maintenance integrity of Thai,s Airbus aircraft?
I am a very frequent flyer my friend and if I have choice I would much rather fly on the Airbus A340/A380 series of aircraft than any Boeing twin jet 737/757/767/777 or four jet 747 no matter what series the 747 is.
Newer aircraft normally have less maintenance issues.

**StrontiumDog** · 01-09-2011, 04:37 PM

Thai Airways to launch Smile Air in 2012 - Cheapflights.co.uk

Thai Airways to launch Smile Air in 2012

All Smiles ... Thai Airways to launch Thai Smile in 2012

British travellers taking flights to Thailand next year will be able to benefit from new connecting flights across Thailand after Thai Airways announced the launch of a new low-fare airline.

Thai Smile Air is set to take to the skies in July 2012 and will operate out of Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok and will initially fly domestically.

Cities likely to be served by the new carrier are: Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Chiang Rai, and Surat Thani. Thai Airways also plans to launch Smile Air internationally in 2013, as well as launch "as soon as possible" Tiger Airways, a discount airline in partnership with Singapore Airlines.

“Thai Smile Air will operate using THAI’s TG airline code, and will be appropriately priced to ensure the product is competitive in the airline market,” said THAI President Mr Piyasvasti.

Part of Thai Airways’ mandate as the national carrier of Thailand is to "play a part in spreading awareness around the world of the uniqueness of Thai culture, its customs, and traditions."

Every year an estimated ten million travellers visit Thailand, many from the UK. Thai Airways currently flies Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phuket from London Heathrow.

In total, the airline operates a fleet of 85 aircraft, flying to more than 70 destinations in 35 countries. It also boasts services to more Asian nations than any other carrier.

**thehighlander959** · 01-09-2011, 05:24 PM

The above post is like an advert for Thai Airways. As i have said in previous posts, I am not greatly enamoured by Thai Airways in any way shape or form.
There product is sub standard with old aircraft that don,t meet the standard required.Especially as the competition in Asia ie. Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific out of Hong Kong have a much better product. And much better flight routings, not to mention Emirates.Qatar and Etihad from the Middle East who are killing most Asian Airlines on flights to Europe.

**OhOh** · 03-09-2011, 11:00 PM

EUobserver.com / Justice & Home Affairs / Germany ditches body scanners after repeat false alerts

Germany ditches US made body scanners after repeat false alerts

"The German interior ministry has decided to postpone a plan to roll out body scanners at airports for security reasons, after a trial phase showed that the devices are incapable of distinguishing armpit sweat from concealed bombs.

Two trial machines installed at Hamburg airport returned false alerts at a rate of 49 percent. The errors included confusing sweaty armpits with concealed bomb chemicals. "The ministry has decided that the software must be improved," a statement from interior minister Hans-Peter Friedrich read on Wednesday.

Unlike metal detectors, the advantage of the US-made full body scanners is supposed to lie with the ability to detect plastic or ceramic elements concealed under clothing. Similar devices are being used in the US, Great Britain and the Netherlands.

But human rights groups, the European Parliament and religious organisations have been outraged at the use of such technology, which in the initial stage portrayed a real outline of one's bodily features. They are also expensive, costing over €130,000 a piece. The European Parliament itself has six machines which have never been used.

"The federal police will closely support development in this field so that hopefully devices will soon be available that meet our high safety standards and take passenger volume into account," Friedrich said.

Last year, Italy also decided to scale back its body-scanners plan, citing similar experiences in the trial phase.

Meanwhile, a vote in the European Parliament's transport committee on Wednesday outraged the Liberal group, as it failed to oppose a wording in the technical specifications for EU-wide rules on body scanners. The rules, carved out by the European Commission, do not specifically rule out the use of naked imagery.

"The rules do exclude the use of x-ray technology, which is something we wanted. But it doesn't oblige producers to use stick figures instead of the actual body image," Benjamin Krieger, a spokesman for the German Liberals in the European Parliament told this website."

**harrybarracuda** · 03-09-2011, 11:31 PM

That reminds me: I saw one of those sniffer machines on level 3 at Swampy yesterday.

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