The plans of ภาษาไทย Airways International (THAI) to establish a low-cost airline and its own subsidiary with Singapore-based Tiger Airways has the backing of the new Transport Minister, Sukampol Suwannathat.

Sukampol says he would like to study the details of the plans first, but when they are based on solid business data he does not foresee any problems.

Thai Wings

The one hundred percent subsidiary, provisionally named Thai Wings, will fly on four domestic and five regional routes. The establishment received the green light from the board of directors in May. Thai Wings is expected to take to the skies in March or April next year. It must become a competitor of AirAsia, the largest low-cost airline in Southeast Asia, based in Malaysia.

The joint venture with Tiger Airways, which will be called Thai Tiger Airways, has so far been met with objections from the Civil Aviation Department. Last year, the department of the Ministry of Transport refused to issue a license due to technical shortcomings.

www.dickvanderlugt.nl

5 responses to “Minister supports THAI plans to set up a budget airline”

  1. rob says up

    I don't think they'll be competing with Air Asia anytime soon unless they manage to get below AA's fares and that's going to be difficult for a fledgling airline.

  2. Julius says up

    it is not a starting airline, is a joint venture between Thai Airways and Tiger Airways, seems to me an interesting event how this can develop.

    Personally, I don't think Air Asia is an ideal airline, so perhaps this offers opportunities

  3. Robert says up

    Interesting what is happening with Air Asia now. 'Cooperation' with their great nemesis and Malaysian flagship Malaysia Airlines. Real cooperation, or is this the start of a takeover without too much loss of face?

    • Robert says up

      Takeover of Malaysia Airlines that is.

  4. I'm happy with it. The more competition the better. Consumers benefit from lower prices.


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