Thai Airways has confirmed it is looking into a plan that would see the resumption of commercial flight services delayed until August 1st, a month later than the current planned date of July 1st.
The proposal, which was leaked to the media by an unnamed source from the airline, was confirmed by Thai Airways International Plc board member, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga.
Mr. Salirathavibhaga said that no decision had been made yet, but discussions are taking place. He continued by explaining a month’s delay would allow the company to better prepare for flight resumptions after the ban on international flights in Thailand is lifted.
The delay until August 1st would allow for Thai Airways to significantly slim down their flight schedule.
According to the source at Thai Airways, the airline would reduce flights to Singapore from several per day to only four flights per week.
They would also not resume flights to several destinations, including Italy, Vienna, Stockholm, Moscow, Oslo, Sendai, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Colombo, and Kathmandu.
It is not clear whether these changes would be permanent or temporary.
Mr. Salirathavibhaga explained that when Thai Airways would resume operations depends on several factors beyond the airline’s control.
He cited global border restrictions and post-virus passenger traffic as examples.
The former Justice Minister added that now is not the right time for the airline to resume flying. He said the industry remains highly volatile, and flights are unlikely to generate any profits. He continued:
“Thai Airways is ready to fly again, but the company can only do so when there are enough customers to make the business viable.”
The potential delay in resuming flights is just the latest chapter in the Thai Airways saga that includes customer frustration over not being able to receive refunds for purchased tickets.
The airline has also petitioned courts in four countries in an attempt to protect their assets, including aircraft, from being seized due to their bankruptcy filing in Thailand.
Source: Bangkok Post
