Thai Airways International PCL : , Nok Air, Smile Sign MOU on Code-Share Flights to Mae Hong Son

THAI, Nok Air, Thai Smile Sign MOU on Code-Share Flights to Mae Hong Son

Today (13 February 2018), Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), Nok Air Public Company Limited, and Thai Smile Airways Company Limited, held a press conference and signing ceremony on roundtrip code-share flights from Don Mueang-Mae Hong Son, which was presided by Mrs. Usanee Sangsingkeo, THAI Acting President, Mr. Piya Yodmani, Nok Air CEO, and Mr. Chatchai Panyoo, Thai Smile Acting Managing Director, at THAI Head Office.

Mrs. Usanee Sangsingkeo, THAI Acting President, said that the code-share agreement between THAI, Nok Air, and Thai Smile on roundtrip flights from Don Mueang-Mae Hong Son was initiated to support the government policy to promote tourism to secondary or smaller townships in order to boost revenue and tourists. Nok Air will be the operating carrier, with THAI and Thai Smile as the marketing carriers which increases opportunities for the sale of tickets on this route. This code-share agreement also strengthens the level of cooperation between Thai commercial airlines in the Thai domestic market and will provide more convenient for passengers traveling roundtrip to Mae Hong Son. THAI is confident that there will be increased revenue on flights to and from Mae Hong Son and anticipates that at least 20,000 passengers will be transported per year. As a result, this effort will help support continual increase in travel to Thailand and the Thailand's goal to be the aviation hub for the ASEAN region.

Mr. Piya Yodmani, Nok Air CEO, said that Nok Air is ready to launch the service between Don Mueang and Mae Hong Son in cooperation with THAI Group. We plan to operate this route with 72-seat ATR72-500 aircraft which we already have in the fleet. The service frequency will start with three flights per week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The inaugural flight will be on March 25, 2018. Mae Hong Son province has a beautiful nature with a variety of cultural diversity, and many travelers wish to visit. However, traveling by car is quite difficult, it requires skill in driving and the travel time is relatively long. We think that the opening of this route would help making it more convenient for travelers and we hope to see positive feedback from all local and foreigner passengers. In addition, we recognize the importance of government policies in stimulating tourism in the secondary cities which would benefit people in the area. Nok Air is only one of the elements that will support tourism and achieve the goals that have been set.

Mr. Chatchai Panyoo, Thai Smile Acting CEO said that the codeshare flights by THAI, Nok Air and THAI Smile between Don Mueang and Mae Hong Son, will not only help promote tourism in accordance with the policy promoting second-tier provinces, especially for Mae Hong Son province, but also offer another alternative choice for THAI Smile passengers to explore new experience in the city that features its specialty and uniqueness awaiting to be discovered. Mae Hong Son is another attractive destination. This effort aims to facilitate tourists, business people and local people. We hope that our passengers will be comfortable and impressed with the journey through this codeshare flight.

Mae Hong Son is a destination located in Northern Thailand's mountainous region that is known for its native lifestyle and culture that is unique when compared to other tourist destinations in the North. For more information and reservations, please contact:

* thaiairways.com, any THAI sales office, travel agents nationwide, or THAI Contact Center at Tel. 0-2356-1111 (24 hours)
* nokair.com or Nok Air Call Center at Tel. 1318 during 06.00-24.00 hours
* thaismileair.com or Thai Smile Customer Service at THAI Head Office on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Building 9, 1st Floor, travel agents nationwide, or Smile Call Center at Tel. 1181 or 0-2118-8888

Photo Captions:
1. Mrs. Usanee Sangsingkeo, THAI Acting President (4th from left)
2. Mr. Piya Yodmani, Nok Air CEO (3rd from left)
3. Mr. Chatchai Panyoo, Thai Smile Acting CEO (5th from left)