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The evolution of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited
from a small domestic operation to a fully-fledged global airline
is the direct outcome of the far-sighted vision of our founders.
Early on, we embarked on a course of building a reputation as a
regional leader, pioneering routes to unusual destinations. We further
strengthened our reach by forming strategic alliances with major
airlines, becoming a key partner in a routenet that now covers the
globe.
THAI's popularity among travellers comes from our comprehensive
services and efficient, on-time operation. More than that, however,
we are known for our gracious ground and inflight service. This
includes personal attention to passenger needs, with special treats
(like gift orchids for all female passengers), and superb cuisine
which have earned us a place in the hearts of the travelling public.
Few passengers are aware of the numerous behind-the-scenes activities
that make THAI a self-sufficient airline. We operate our own Catering
Department, Maintenance Department, and Cargo Department that serve,
not only THAI's needs, but those of numerous airlines operating
into Bangkok. Many ancillary functions are devoted to enhancing
the pleasure of travel by providing our customers with Limousine
Services, Royal Orchid Holidays, our Royal Orchid Plus frequent
flyer programme, hotel accommodations, convention facilities, and
attractive incentive programmes.
All these and more enable THAI to respond quickly and comprehensively
to customers' requirements and passenger needs, qualities that have
made us one of Asia's premier airlines.
How We Came to Be
THAI began its life as a domestic airline called Thai Airways Company
(TAC). TAC was formed in 1951 when the Thai government purchased
shares in three small private airlines and amalgamated their fleets
in order to create a national airline. Rapid growth followed with
air service reaching into formerly-remote provinces of Thailand.
Firmly established as a domestic airline, we then decided to try
our wings in a wider realm by launching several experimental flights
to cities within the region. In 1960, we formed an alliance with
Scandinavian Airlines System, and Thai Airways International was
born. TAC remained a separate company and continued to provide service
to cities within Thailand.
For the first six years, THAI served 10 regional destinations with
propeller-driven aircraft but in 1966, we scored an Asian first
by offering the region's first all-jet service. With our fleet of
modern aircraft, we pioneered new routes, offering the first jet
service to Bali (December 1967) and Kathmandu (December 1968). By
1970, we were carrying a half million passengers each year and were
ranked as Asia's third largest airline. It was time to stretch our
wings even wider.
We did so in April 1971 when a THAI airliner touched down in Sydney
on our first intercontinental flight. The following year we opened
European service with flights to Copenhagen. Other cities followed
quickly as we expanded from our homebase, Bangkok. To accomodate
an increasing demand, we began flying Airbus A300s in October 1977
and in October 1979, took delivery of our first Boeing 747s.
In 1980, we began flying trans-Pacific routes to North American
cities. The decade also saw the expansion of ancillary facilities
to provide broader-based service to our passengers and customers.
In April 1983, we launched a joint venture to operate hotels in
Bangkok, and in May 1985, we completed our new Aircraft Maintenance
Centre. In May of the following year, we inaugurated our new Cargo
Village and in December 1987, we opened our new corporate headquarters
in Bangkok. Perhaps the most dramatic change was the merger between
Thai Airways International and Thai Airways Company to bring international
and domestic services under a single umbrella.
THAI Today
The 1990s have seen further expansion of our routenet and frequency
of service but have also witnessed some fundamental changes to prepare
us for the future. The Cargo Village, Maintenance Centre, and Flight
Kitchen were expanded. In July 1993, we inaugurated our Royal Orchid
Plus frequent flyer programme which enjoyed almost instant success.
Perhaps the most far-reaching decision came in 1995 when we joined
with Lufthansa and United Airlines to form a Global Alliance that
will strengthen all three airlines. The same year, saw the introduction
of the THAI Phone and in March 1996, we took delivery of our first
Boeing 777, as a first step in modernising our fleet to ensure that
we remain a leader as we progress towards the 21st century. In the
coming years will see THAI will acquire a new look which we will
proundly carry into the 21st century.
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