Development & Advancement of THAI
1959 - In August 1959, Thai Airways Company (TAC) entered into a partnership with the Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) to create a dynamic new international airline for Thailand. The Thai Government through TAC held 70 percent and SAS 30 percent of shares in Thai Airways International Company Limited, registered with a capital investment of USD 100,000 (2 million baht).
1960 - On May 1st, a propeller-driven Douglas DC-6B with a full load of 60 passengers took off from Bangkok International Airport en route to Hong Kong, Taipei and Tokyo. This first flight launched THAI's services, which during the first year, linked Bangkok with 11 Asian destinations and utilised a fleet of 3 DC-6B aircraft.
1961 - THAI served over 83,000 passengers during its first year of operations. Royal Orchid Service began to develop its reputation for in-flight excellence, through its unique Thai-style hospitality, attentive cabin attendants and complimentary bar service. The Thai dancing figure logo and traditional silk air hostess uniforms, designed by Prince Kraisingh Vudhijaya, quickly became well known.
1962 - A 99-seat Convair 990 Coronado jet, the fastest civil airliner at the time, joined the fleet. Their Majesties The King and Queen of Thailand participated in the inaugural flights and flew THAI on various State Visits. THAI's investment capital was quickly increased from 2 million to 40 million baht.
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1963 - THAI began pooling flights with other Asian airlines on flights from Bangkok to Hong Kong, Culcutta and Singapore to give passengers added frequency and convenience. From its Head Office located in a 3 storey office building on New Road, THAI operated with a staff of over 600.
1964 - THAI upgraded its fleet again, this time adding its first ultra-modern, 72 seats French-built Caravelle SE-210 jet. The airline continued to grow, carried its 100,000th passengers and opened flights to Osaka.
1965 - THAI recorded its first year of operating profit at 3.9 million baht. From this point onwards, THAI achieved profitable earnings every year, growing by leaps and bounds and has never looked back.
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1966 - With a fleet of 5 sleek Caravelle SE-210s, THAI enjoyed the distinction of being the first all-jet airline in Asia. The cockpit crew that initially consisted mainly of expatriates from SAS was gradually replaced by Thai pilots.
1967 - The one millionth passenger was carried. THAI pioneered its highly profitable Bali route, opening up and promoting the destination to tourists from around the world. This insightful move established THAI as an innovative airline, supportive of regional development.
1968 - Spurred by the success of Bali, THAI pioneered flights to Kathmandu, successfully promoting another exotic Asian destination. Seoul and Delhi were also added to the routenet.
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1969 - THAI achieved its founding objectives of operating an all-jet service, promoting Thai heritage and tourism to the world and building the most comprehensive routenet of key Asian destinations of any airline.
1970 - When their 10-year contract expired, TAC and SAS signed a cooperation agreement for another 7 years. That year, THAI introduced faster and more economical DC9-41 and DC8-33 aircraft. Royal Orchid Holidays, THAI's innovative travel programme, was created to give travellers individual flexibility yet group cost savings and convenience.
1971 - THAI's first intercontinental route was launched, linking Bangkok to Sydney via Singapore. A new Cargo Terminal was opened at Bangkok International Airport. In its first year, it handled around 2,000 tons of cargo.
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1972 - THAI inaugurated its second intercontinental route, this time linking Copenhagen. The first computer-controlled flight simulator for training DC8-33 pilots was housed in the new Flight Crew Training Centre. THAI operated a popular Coffee Shop and deluxe Restaurant at Bangkok International Airport.
1973 - Long haul services to Frankfurt and London were inaugurated developing Bangkok as a major hub and gateway between Europe and Asia. THAI managed the Bangkok International Airport's spacious new Tax Free shop.
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1974 - Rome was added to the routenet. THAI launched its computerised reservations system. The airline's local and overseas staff now exceeded 3,000 making the airline one of Thailand's largest employers.
1975 - International design company, Walter Landor and Associates developed a stylish new corporate identity for THAI. The Thai dancing figure logo was replaced by a distinctive purple, pink and gold symbol that was embraced worldwide.
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1976 - THAI's flights connecting Bangkok to Amsterdam , Paris and Athens, launched the year before, grew quickly in popularity. Passengers flying from Europe stopped over in Bangkok on their way to Australia or to other Aisian cities.
1977 - After 17 successful years, the partnership between TAC and SAS ended. SAS shares were sold back to the Thai Airways International was now entirely Thai owned and managed. Backed by a routenet covering 3 continets, experienced staff and full operational support, Thailand's flag carrier was ready to take on the world.
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1978 - With the surge in air travel to Thailand and around the world, THAI made the decision to upgrade its fleet with more wide bodied aircraft. The 223-seat Airbus A300-B4s joined the wide -bodied DC-10-30s and improved long haul travel in terms of passenger and cargo capacity as well as passenger comfort.
1979 - Four brand new Airbus A300s were purchased to serve THAI's regional routes. Two Boeing 747-200 jumbo jets, with seating capacity of 371, were also purchased so that THAI could offer non-stop flights between Bangkok and Europe. The company moved into its 26-rai Head Office complex on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, bringing all functions and departments together for the first time.
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1980 - With the arrival of the jumbo jets, THAI was now ready for trans-Pacific services to North America. Los Angeles became THAI's gateway city into the US. At the same time THAI increased its operations to the Middle East.
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1981 - THAI pioneered the North Pacific Bangkok-Seattle route. It expanded its routenet into the People's Republic of China by serving Canton. During that year, the company's share capital was increased to 1,100 million baht.
1982 - To better manage its growth, THAI reassessed and consolidated its fleet and operations. Pool agreements on strategic routes were concluded with other airlines. Though the devaluation of the Thai baht affected revenues, THAI still posted a pre-tax profit of 26.3 million baht for fiscal year 1981/82.
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1983 - THAI's Royal Executive Class was introduced on regional routes, setting a new standard in airline comfort and convenience. Business Class passengers enjoyed separate cabins, roomy armchair seating, lounges and privileged services. The airline broadened its focus into related industries and bought equity in Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services Limited (BAFS), Royal Orchid Hotel and the Airport Hotel.
1984 - THAI's efforts to promote provincial destinations inThailand intensified. Chiang Mai, already linked as an intermediate stop on Hong Kong flights, was serviced with daily turnaround flights from Bangkok. Phuket and Hat Yai were added as intermediate stops on the Singapore route.
1985 - A new Maintenace Centre at Bangkok International Airport was built, enabling THAI to perform heavy maintenance on its wide-bodied aircraft in Bangkok. The facility was later expanded to a three-bay hangar able to accommodate two 747 jumbo jets and a narrow-bodied aircraft simultaneously. That year also saw the opening of THAI's (cargo Village), one of the largest cargo facilities in Southeast Asia at that time. Its 43,000 sq.m. terminal handled freight shipments for THAI flights and those of 28 other airlines.
1986 - THAI launched its Stockholm flight. The middle Eastern network was further expanded. The first branch of THAI's popular Airport Restaurant was opened at the new Chiang Mai International Airport Terminal.
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1987 - New Domestic and International Passenger Terminals were built at Bangkok International Airport to cater for "Visit Thailand Year 1987." THAI provided 80 percent of all passengers handling services in the new terminals. The "Visit Thailand Year" campaign proved a huge success for the nation and the nation's flag carrier. Auckland and Madrid were added as new destinations.
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1988 - THAI and its parent company, TAC, merged into a single airline, bringing together domestic and international air operations. With the addition of TAC's 11 aircraft, the combined fleet now consisted of 41 aircraft. The routenet comprised 48 cities in 35 countries around the world plus a network of 23 cities in Thailand.
1989 - THAI launched "Discover Thailand" promotional fares to stimulate inbound travel and further developed "Eurng Luang" domestic tours as well as gave full support to "Thailand Arts and Crafts". A brand new Flight Kitchen, one of the largest and most modern in Asia, was opened at Bangkok International Airport, with an initial production capacity of 20,000 meals per day.
1990 - There was much to celebrate on THAI's 30th anniversary. It was the second most profitable year in the Company's history. THAI recorded a profit before-tax of 6,753.6 million baht 8.3 million passengers were carried, the highest number ever recorded. Early that year, THAI took delivery of its first Boeing 747-400, which even today remains the largest commercial aircraft in passenger service.
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1991 - THAI became a full partner of AMADEUS Global Distribution System, a vast computerised network for reservations information that linked 98 airlines and over 47,500 travel agents worldwide.
1992 - THAI's privatisation process began. 100 million of the company's shares were listed on the stock Exchange of Thailand, the country's largest share placement at that time. It raised capital to 14,000 million baht and the new shares were sold to over 256,000 investors.
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1993 - The 10 millionth passengers flew on THAI. The airline's frequent flyer programme, Royal Orchid Plus was successfully launched. By the end of the first year, over 200,000 passengers from 115 countries had registered.
1994 - On 20 May 1994, THAI was formally registered as Thai Airways International Public Company Limited. Three new destinations were added: Shanghai, Lahore and Nakhon Phanom (domestic).
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1995 - In order to streamline operations and improve efficiency, THAI hired international management consultants to help re-engineer the company. THAI's Re-engineering Team focused on 3 key areas-Operations, Customer Services, and Administration and Information Technology. The new vision statement, "The First Choice Carrier. Smooth as Silk. First time.Every time." Created the framework for a common sense of purpose.
1996 - The first Boeing 777-200, with 358 seats, the widest cabin and tallest headroom of all twin-engine aircraft, joined the fleet. This aircraft was the first of its kind in the world to be powered by Rolls Royce Trent 800 engines. The technical department was honoured by a visit by H.M.Queen Elizabeth II of England to mark this event. THAI's homepage on the Internet located at www.thaiairways.com was launched.
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1997 - THAI and 4 of the world's major airlines joined together to form the Star Alliance, the largest airline consortium in the world. Being part of this strong global network enabled THAI to offer its passengers a world of services and destinations. In 1997 THAI provided major sponsorship and official carrier support to the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok.
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1998 - The devaluation of the baht became a stimulus for tourism to Thailand. Ever the staunch promoter of Thailand and its tourism industry, THAI threw its support behind the "Amazing Thailand 1998/99" campaign. Thai's floral float under the "Amazing Thailand" theme at the world televised "Rose Parade" in Pasadena, California, was awarded one of the top prizes.
1999 - THAI joined the nation in commemorating His Majesty the King's 72nd Birthday Anniversary. This message was emblazoned on THAI's entire fleet and one Boeing 747-400 aircraft was completely repainted with a graphic rendition of the Suphannahong,the Royal Barge. This was THAI's way of showing to the world the pride and honour that all Thai people feel towards their King and country.
2000 - THAI continues to grow and flourish. These first forty years of THAI have told of a remarkable success story. This year and in the years ahead, THAI will continue to operate with insight and innovation, expanding its network to cover more international and domestic destinations, providing passengers with increasingly modern and comfortable aircraft, saving the Kingdom of Thailand and the people of the world with the highest standards of air service and safety. The legend that is THAI continues on.
http://www.thaiair.com/about-thai/company-profile/en/developments-and-advancements-of-thai-ad-1999-2008.htm
