Thai Airways International and Air Canada Extend Network

Thai Airways International (THAI) and Air Canada today announced a further expansion of their networks between Thailand and Canada. Effective for travel beginning December 19, 2002, the two Star Alliance partners are expanding services on a codeshare basis between Bangkok and Vancouver via Tokyo. This new Pacific routing provides convenient service to western Canada and complements the carriers' Atlantic routing that serves eastern Canada with among the shortest elapsed times between Bangkok, Toronto and Montreal via London.

"Together with our Star Alliance partner, THAI, we are improving access for our western Canada customers travelling to Thailand and all of southeast Asia through Bangkok, gateway city to THAI's extensive network," said Ross MacCormack, Senior Vice President, International & Alliances. "This expansion of service via Tokyo complements our transatlantic routing via London, convenient for eastern Canada travellers, and further enhances our extensive Asian network while strengthening the Star Alliance global network."

"In cooperation with Air Canada, our Star Alliance partner, we are pleased to offer customers the choice of additional services between Bangkok and Vancouver on codeshare flights operated via Tokyo," said Tasnai Sudasna, THAI's Executive Vice President, Commercial. "The expansion of codeshare flights between THAI and Air Canada increases travel options for passengers flying from Thailand to Canada, making travel increasingly more convenient and flexible than before."

The codeshare flights allow for excellent connections at THAI's main hub in Bangkok to the carrier's extensive network serving all of Thailand and southeast Asia including Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Air Canada offers THAI customers at Vancouver convenient access to all of North America.

Vancouver-Narita Narita-Bangkok

AC003/ TG5860 (1) AC9556/ TG773 
Dep 1350, Arr 1710 (+) Dep 1900, Arr 2359

Bangkok-Narita Narita-Vancouver

AC9555/ TG772 (2) AC004/ TG5861 
Dep 0820. Arr 1600 Dep 1900, Arr 1035

(1) Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 
(2) Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Thai Airways International is one of Asia's leading airlines, operating out of Bangkok, the aviation hub of Southeast Asia, to 74 key destinations in 34 countries around the world with the young and modern fleet of 81 aircraft. As a founding member of Star Alliance, THAI is able to fly passengers to over 800 destinations around the world.

Montreal-based Air Canada provides scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 150 destinations on five continents. Canada's flag carrier is the 12th largest commercial airline in the world and serves more than 30 million customers annually with a fleet consisting of more than 300 aircraft. In 2002, Air Canada received the prestigious OAG (Official Airline Guide) Awards as Best Airline in North America and Best Frequent Flyer Program for Aeroplan. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, providing the world's most comprehensive air transportation network.