Thai Smile ready for region

Thai Smile ready for region

THAI Smile is gearing up to spread its wings as it moves to become a regional carrier this year.

The wholly-owned subsidiary of flag carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) will boost the international portion of total flight operations to about 50% from 20% by the end of this year.

Until recently, domestic flights dominated its businesses, accounting for 80%, but that will be reduced to 50%.

"We are entering the second phase of growth to become a regional player," THAI Smile's acting chief executive Woranate Laprabang said on Tuesday.

The airline is zeroing in on international expansion by boosting its coverage in three markets -- Asean, China and India.

International growth will complement and supplement its parent airline through flight cooperations and joint marketing.

With flights operated by THAI in Asean, the two airlines together cover 13 cities in Southeast Asia.

Over the next five years, the two will serve up to 20 destinations in Asean, he said.

THAI Smile will on March 26 start operating regular flights to Kota Kinabalu, capital of Malaysia's Sabah state, the fourth Asean destination to be flown by THAI Smile.

In China, THAI Smile plans to add two more Chinese cities later this year to its Chinese operation.

For India, Mumbai-Phuket may start in November this year. THAI Smile intends to increase frequencies on Bangkok-Jaipur service to five flights a week in November this year from three at present.

Two other Indian cities covered by THAI Smile are Gaya Varanasi and Lucknow.

Within Asean, Capt Woranate named Cebu, Danang, Medan and Davao as potential destinations the airline will cover.

Bandar Seri Begawan, Nay Pyi Taw, Sihanoukville and Hue are also possible candidates in the distant future, he said.

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