Thai celebrates 45 years

This month THAI airways celebrates 45 years of flights between Australia and Thailand. It was April 1 1971, THAI launched its first intercontinental route, flying from Bangkok via Singapore to Sydney once a week on a DC862 aircraft. At the time this was the world’s most advanced long range jetliner. THAI operated a single weekly service every Friday from Sydney to Bangkok. In 1979, non-stop flights to Europe were launched with thanks to the capacity of new Boeing 747-200 Jumbo Jets. THAI continued to expand its operations in Australia with the introduction of flights to Melbourne in 1980. A total of two flights linked with Sydney using a Mcdonnell Douglas DC-10 aircraft. Brisbane services were next with a weekly service that also linked Sydney. The 80s saw many firsts for THAI including the introduction of its Royal Executive Class in 1983 - setting new levels for inflight business class service standards. Australia welcomed its first Jumbo Jet in 1984 which replaced the DC-10 on the Sydney/brisbane route. A year later THAI introduced a weekly flight to Perth. In 1993 THAI’S award-winning frequent flyer programme, Royal Orchid Plus, was launched. Today, THAI flies 39 times a week from four on-line cities in Australia – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth – non-stop to Thailand. There are now 11 flights a week between Sydney and Bangkok; double daily flights to/from Melbourne; daily flights from Brisbane and seven flights a week from Perth. As a brand THAI has become recognised for its traditional Thai hospitality with the airline continuing to catering to every passenger’s needs. This includes special pre-order meal selections for religious and dietary requirements, special care services at Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport, frequent flyer miles awarded to in all classes of travel and generous baggage allowance in all classes of travel. THAI has also received many awards such as “Best Economy Class”, by Airlineratings.com 2015, “Best Economy Class Catering” and “Best Lounge Spa Facility” Skytrax 2015. The timeless tradition of gracious Thai hospitality is as much a hallmark of THAI as it is of the Kingdom of Thailand itself. When you step on board a THAI aircraft you will be greeted with a warm ‘Sawasdee’ (welcome). THAI’S award-winning service anticipates every need and delivers hospitality with a unique touch, from check-in to your final destination. Thai Airways International, one of Southeast Asia’s largest airlines, flies non-stop from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Thailand with connections through world-class hub airport, Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport, to over 65 destinations across the globe. The route network stretches from the heart of Asia to include 11 major European cities, over 40 destinations throughout domestic Thailand (in conjunction with subsidiary ‘THAI Smile), Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and the Middle East. Over the last few years THAI has continually added the latest and most modern aircraft to our fleet including the Airbus A380, Boeing 777-300ER and Dreamliner 787 aircraft. These aircraft offer lie-flat beds, latest audio visual on demand with even more entertainment choice and an overall enhanced customer flying experience. THAI’S existing fleet has undergone a major retro-fit with new First Class suites now available on some Boeing 747-400’s and all new entertainment systems throughout all classes of travel.

It was April 1 1971, THAI launched its first intercontinental route, flying from Bangkok via Sydney’ Singapore to