‘Thai Smile’ launches direct flights between Bangkok and Colombo
Thursday, 29 August 2013 00:00
-
- {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Sarah Hannan
Thai Airways International’s sister airline ‘Thai Smile’ commenced direct roundtrip flights from Bangkok to Colombo on 21 August. To mark this venture ‘Thai Smile’ hosted a media briefing at Hilton Colombo yesterday.
The gathering was welcomed with a traditional Thai dance performance which personified the hospitable and pleasant nature of the Thai culture. In his welcome speech Royal Thai Embassy Minister Counsellor Narong Yudhakajkumthorn mentioned that Sri Lanka and Thailand have sustained international relations during the past 33 years and had faced equally challenge times during socio-economic crisis.
“The Sri Lankan air routes have now been cleared as a safe flight zone and have opened up towards various flight routes. Taking this in to consideration ‘Thai Smile’ introduced its Airbus A320 aircraft to provide the travellers pleasant flight experience. The Royal Thai Embassy requires your fullest support to carry out its operations and in return it would bring the relationship between Colombo and Bangkok closer.”
Thai Senior Executive Vice President, Comme-rcial Department Chokchai Panyayong said that this move will significantly increase the number of Sri Lankans travelling to Thailand. “It will also expand THAI’s regional market by serving an increased number of Thai and international passengers requiring travel to and from Colombo as well as passengers who enjoy modern and good quality service based on THAI standards at affordable prices. Parallel to these, new flights will expand to serve other regional markets. Certainly, we have adjusted our flight schedule to meet passenger demands and market expansion,” he said.
Thai Smile is a new service by Thai with a fleet of all new Airbus A320 aircraft configured with 2 classes of service; ‘Smile’ Economy Class and ‘Smile Plus’ short haul business class service. Dedicated cabin crew who are refreshingly young, vibrant and friendly will provide the same service excellence one experiences with Thai. The flights will initially operate four roundtrip flights a week and will increase to daily flights effective 1 December 2013.
The Thai Smile fleet will consist of 11 brand new Airbus A320-200 aircraft, ideally suited for fuel efficient short haul travel. ‘Smile’ Economy Class consists of up to 156 seats, three seats abreast in two rows divided by a single aisle.
‘Smile Plus’ short haul business class service in the first rows of the aircraft for easy access features 16 seats on international flights and 12 seats on domestic flights. In each row the middle seat is always empty, providing more space and comfort for those travelling in ‘Smile Plus’.
Passengers travelling in ‘Smile Plus’ are entitled to a baggage allowance of 30 kilos, experience more privacy, comfort, and have access to the passenger lounge. In-flight meal service, refreshments, and baggage allowance in all classes of service are offered at no additional cost, and passengers may accrue Royal Orchid Plus frequent flyer mileage on Thai Smile flights.
Travel with Thai Smile is designed to be vibrant, fun, speedy, trendy and friendly the moment you step onboard. These five words form the basis of the Thai Smile concept and service, and drew inspiration and influence from contemporary Thai culture, people, landscapes and colours.
Customers may obtain additional information and make reservations at Thai sales offices or their local travel agents. For more information please visit Thai Smile’s website www.thaismileair.com and www.thaiairways.com.
Pix by Upul Abayasekara
