_{Tap the CC button at the bottom of the video for captions.}
 

Video transcript

Jess: Thai Airways operates flights from the UK all across Asia. Can you tell me a little bit more about this comprehensive network? 

Mr Kittiphong Sansomboon: We operate two flights a day, TG911, or the morning flight arrive Bangkok 6.00 AM in the morning. That will be conveniently and smoothly connect to most of the destinations across Asia, including Australia. Whereas the evening flight, TG917 arrive Bangkok around 4.00 PM in the evening. That also can conveniently connect the domestic flight and also India and Australia. So I would say that we are in good positions in London, UK market. 

Jess: Brilliant. And can you share some of the latest news and developments from Thai Airways?

Mr Kittiphong Sansomboon: Well, this year we turned 65th anniversary. As you know, we recently successfully exited from the rehab plan. We also receiving the brand-new aircraft A321neo. The first two aircraft will be arriving at the end of the year. But in fact, we acquire total 32 of it. When combined with the existing 20 A320, that used to be operated under Thai Smile our sister airline, that will make us having total 52 narrow body aircraft. That will be the good combinations of our fleet. 

Jess: As travel and technology evolve, how does Thai Airway's famous ‘Thai Hospitality’ adapt to a new generation of travellers? 

Mr Kittiphong Sansomboon: Well, I would say that the ‘Thai Hospitality’ is a timeless, timeless charm. However, we also adapt ourselves the next generation traveller. What they look for, they're looking for story. All the customer experience, [there’s a] story behind our food and drinks. Connectivity also a key. We are improving not only hardware, which is, you know, has to be smoother and faster, but also the content. More movies, more TV, especially the playlist. We know that not all the passengers looking for the entertainment that way. Some people may want to have the peaceful moment when they're flying on so called private sanctuaries. As such, we have set up the new channel. It's called Mindful Journey. It's about meditation, for example, the healing sound of Thailand, for example. It is the content for the new generations.

Jess: Can you tell me about the ways Thai Airways is working to reduce its impact on the environment? 

Mr Kittiphong Sansomboon: Well the environment is one of the key issue that we share our concern very much. In addition to those, sustainable aviation fuel, which also Thai Airways be a part of it. We also focus on giving back to the society. Let's start from the uniform of the airline crew. It made from the fabric that mixed with between the hundred percent Thai silk and the fabric from their upcycle economies. When it comes to the food that we serve, we put our best efforts to support the local agricultural industry. We serve the very delicious coffee that grew for the north of Thailand, support the local foundation. When it comes to chocolates, we used to serve the chocolate from many countries. However, we know that the local cacao that grown in Thailand also produce very good chocolates. The companies called KanVela, they support the local cacao farmer.

Jess: So looking to the future, how is Thai Airways positioning itself for growth in the Europe-Asia market?

Mr Kittiphong Sansomboon: We have a clear vision about a network strategy. We called it ourselves the Bangkok Sale Hub. Bangkok Sale Hub, it's about bridging India and China. Connecting us and the world. So I would say that Thai Airway position ourself as a key player of this routes, conveniently providing one of the fastest way for the passenger to the world, especially Southeast Asia.

Jess: Perfect. Thank you so much for your time today. 

Mr Kittiphong Sansomboon: Thank you very much, Jessica. Thank you very much.