THAI Sponsors Inflight Catering Asia Pacific Conference

His Excellency Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, Transport and Communications Minister, presided over the official opening of the 4th IFCA/IFSA Asia Pacific Conference 2000, taking place at Marriott Royal Garden Riverside Hotel, Bangkok, at 9:00 am.

Thai Airways International was selected as the official carrier of the conference bringing guest speakers and delegates to Bangkok. THAI's Management team, led by President Bhisit Kuslasayanon was also present at the opening. The two-day conference will be held on 19-20 October and over 200 delegates, comprising of representatives from member airlines, caterers and suppliers are expected to attend the event.

International Flight Catering Association (IFCA) and International Food Service Association (IFSA) jointly act as the media to promote in-flight catering and services for member airlines, caterers and suppliers in the Asia Pacific region.

The conference will include workshops, presentations and panel discussions on various topics such as Profile of Future Passengers and How to Translate Their Needs into Products, Thai Food & Drink Through the Ages, Development of Airports, and Airbus A3XX. Guest speakers and panelists include Mr. Prasert Khlongwathanakith, THAI's Vice President, Subsidiaries and Investment, Mr. Ekamol Kiriwat, M.L. Sirichalerm Svasti, better known as Khun Muk Daeng and Mr. Wissel from Airbus Industrie. The conference provides opportunities for members to exchange ideas and prepare for turn-of-the-century developments to meet future demands from air travelers. Members will have the chance to display their full production capacity, capability and performance to boost future cooperation among the membership.

"THAI's Catering is the largest airline caterer in Southeast Asia. In terms of quality, products and services, I am proud to say that THAI has been accepted on an international level such as ISO9002, GMP and HACCP for providing and maintaining the highest standard of service on a continual basis. This is an excellent opportunity for customers to find out more about THAI's catering,," said President Bhisit.

For this year, the Planning Committees of IFCA and IFSA, with the assistance of THAI's representatives, have decided to select Thailand as the host country for the conference, allowing delegates to experience and explore the unique Thai culture and tradition. The conference helps to further promote Thailand's tourism and aviation industry.

THAI's Catering Services Department has been established since 1960 and currently caters for 39 customer airlines operating out of Bangkok International Airport.