THAI Supports Government's Open Sky Policy

Today at Thai's Head Office, Mr. Wan Mohammad Nor Matha, Transport and Communications Minister chaired a press conference to announce the government's open sky policy together with Mr. Supote Kumpeera, Director General of the Department of Aviation, Mr. Virabongsa Ramangkura, Thai's Chairman and Acting President, Mr. Jothin Pamon-Montri, PB Air's President and Mr. Atichart Athakravisunthorn, Air Andaman's President.

Mr. Virabongsa Ramangkura, Thai's Chairman and Acting President, said that as the flag carrier, THAI has served passengers on the trunk, secondary and auxiliary routes to domestic destinations in order to enhance the mass transportation system of Thailand. The Thai government?s domestic open sky policy gives smaller carriers the opportunity to operate on domestic routes previously served by THAI, to encourage competition among the aviation sector which in turn will promote higher standards of service for passengers as well as contribute to the growth of Thailand's travel and tourism industry. THAI will provide preliminary assistance in areas of human resources management, operations and marketing.

In compliance with the government's policy, the representatives met today to discuss the arrangements of flight operations, with the following results, which will take effect from November 28, 2001:

1. Lampang Province

THAI's service:

- Bangkok-Phitsanulok-Lampang v.v.

2 flights per week on Mondays and Saturdays - Bangkok-Phetchabun-Lampang v.v

3 flights per week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays PB Air?s service: - Bangkok-Lampang v.v.

2 daily direct flights (a total of 14 flights per week) Passengers would have an additional choice of air service while the weekly flight frequency in also increased from 14 to 19.

2. Sakon Nakhon Province

THAI's service:

- Bangkok-Sakon Nakhon-Nakhon Phanom v.v.

3 flights per week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays

- THAI will cancel its direct services between Bangkok and Sakon Nakhon

PB Air's service:

- Bangkok-Sakon Nakorn v.v. daily service

Passengers traveling to Sakon Nakhon will benefit from a total of 10 flights per week.

3. Nokhon Phanom Province

THAI's service:

- Bangkok-Sakon Nakhon-Nakhon Phanom v.v.

3 flights per week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays

- THAI will cancel its direct services between Bangkok and Nakhon Phanom

PB Air's service:

- Bangkok-Nakhon Phanom v.v

daily service

Passengers traveling to Nakhon Phanom will benefit from a total of 10 flights per week.