Thai Airways International encouraged to implement new Connectivity methods

Thai Airways International could generate substantial extra revenue by optimizing its existing fleet and new aircraft on order when operating out of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport according to executives of Star Alliance.

The Star Alliance executives, who met THAI’s Strategy Committee Board Members and senior airline executives in Bangkok, said THAI could start generating more revenue by employing new connectivity methods without any changes to its existing fleet.

THAI’s Chairman, Mr. Thanong Bidaya, who chaired the meeting said improved connectivity across the THAI fleet in the future, particularly with the resources offered by Suvarnabhumi Airport, would help Bangkok’s drive to be the pre-eminent hub in Asia.

Star Alliance CEO Jaan Albrecht said implementation of the new global connectivity improvement programme, as proposed to THAI, would only strengthen the Star Alliance concept.

“This will keep customers in the Star Alliance as opposed to other alliances. It is good for THAI and good for Star Alliance. If you have a strong hub other airlines cannot attack you,” he said.

The global connectivity concept involves improving aircraft connection times through Bangkok Airport. For example, changes to the connection times of just four flights can give THAI up to 22 extra connections. This would result in 50 percent more passengers passing through Suvarnabhumi Airport at that time; 7,000 more new passengers per week and provide a strong basis for future expansion.

THAI’s President, Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, who initiated the idea with Star Alliance, said better connectivity could bring THAI an additional 350,000 passengers from other non-Star Alliance airlines.