THAI extends Rome service until February

THAI extends Rome service until February

In less than three weeks, Thai Airways International (THAI) has changed its mind about axing its Bangkok-Rome service.

The non-stop service, at four flights per week, is now back on the flag carrier's schedule until next Feb 1 rather than going off screen on Oct 25.

In an announcement yesterday, THAI president Charamporn Jotikasthira said the airline's board on Monday made the decision to reinstate the route to meet demand during the high season in Rome.

That is an about-face after last month's announcement of suspending the Rome flight, along with the Bangkok-Incheon-Los Angeles service, also at four flights a week, as part of the next phase of rationalisation to stem heavy losses.

Insiders said the extension of the Rome flight was influenced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and tourism industry, which blamed the move for crippling efforts to attract European tourists.

The decision was relatively easy with one person having dual supreme authority on both sides.

Areepong Bhoocha-oom is chairman of the THAI board while serving as permanent secretary of the Tourism Ministry.

The troubled airline said it would now work with the TAT jointly to promote round-trip travel on the Bangkok–Rome route, which will be operated by a Boeing 747-400 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The previously announced suspension of the Rome and Los Angeles flights, both incurring heavy losses, forms a critical part of the business turnaround that entails axing and cutting back loss-making routes and using smaller aircraft.

THAI shares closed yesterday on the SET at 12.20 baht, unchanged, in trade worth 10.1 million baht.

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