THAI Smile’s First Direct Flight Take s Off to Macau

Today (7 July 2012), THAI Smile, the new sub-brand service by Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), is proud to announce that THAI Smile’s first direct flight took off from Bangkok to Macau in the newly delivered Airbus 320-200 aircraft.

Mr. Chokchai Panyayong , Executive Vice President, Strategy & Business Development and also Acting President, said "THAI is pleased to introduce Macau as its first destination with roundtrip twice-daily flights from Bangkok. Thereafter, THAI Smile will operate roundtrip domestic flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani and Chiang Mai-Phuket. The THAI Smile brand character Trendy- Friendly-Worthy reflects the new generation lifestyle of business travelers who seek a relaxed, stylish on board atmosphere, placing greater importance on smart choices with value for their money. ”

On this auspicious occasion, Mr. Ampon Kittiampon, THAI’s Chairman of the Board of Directors presided over the ribbon cutting ceremony of the first departure flight TG750 from Suvarnabhumi Airport ’s Boarding Gate D5 to Macau International Airport. Upon the arrival of flight TG750, Miss Suning Liu, Executive Director Macau International Airport Co Ltd (CAM) graciously welcomed VIPs, guests, media and passengers traveling onboard. The ribbon cutting ceremony of THAI Smile First Flight from Macau to Bangkok TG751 was led by Mr. Chulasingh Vasantasingh, THAI Board Member, together with Mr. Pandit Chanapai, Executive Vice President of Commercial, Miss Suning Liu, Executive Director of Macau International Airport Co Ltd (CAM), Mr. Simon Chan, President of Civil Aviation Authority Macau (AACM), Mr. Joao Manuel Costa Antunes, Director of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), and Mr. Chakri Srichawana, Consul General, Royal Thai Consulate.

With an all new fleet of Airbus 320-200 aircraft, each THAI Smile flight can carry a total of 174 passengers, with the first five rows designated for ‘Smile Plus’ short-haul business class service, providing extra pitch and enhanced service elements designed to appeal to a higher market segment. The aircraft type is ideally cost-effective for short to medium-haul routes. Passengers can appreciate the comfort of traveling in a flexible two-class cabin at affordable fares, which includes onboard snack and beverages, free pre-seating selection and counter check-in procedures, mileage accrual on the Royal Orchid Plus program, baggage allowance of 20 kilograms in economy class and 30 kilograms in Smile Plus class and connections to the THAI network worldwide. An added benefit is lounge access for Smile Plus passengers.

Macau is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. The city has a long history with a good mixture of Chinese and Portuguese culture. THAI Smile flights to Macau will offer more travel alternatives, ease and comfort to passengers.