Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus - THAI's new president
THAI's new president was officially installed a week ago.
In his speech, he promises to upgrade the entertainment system of the aircrafts in two years. He is also promoting "whistle-blower" policy for reporting irregularities within the organization.
Is the aircraft entertainment system upgrade for real?
Do you have hopes on what he wants to do- restoring THAI into one of the top five airlines in the world within four years? Or is this the case of believing it when you see it?
Rambuster
Oct 28, 09, 8:38 am
Welcome to FT SKL !
The really funny story I thought was that when he was appointed he was given the task of turning TG into one of the top airlines in the world within 5 years - or else TG will have a new President.
Excellent way to encourage his success by threatening to fire him ...
Who knows how long he will last. Probably depends on how long the current government lasts ?
macabus
Oct 28, 09, 9:58 am
Who knows how long he will last. Probably depends on how long the current government lasts ?
With King Bhumibol in failing health, the regime change may be coming soon.
It's hard to fathom TG spending $$$ on entertainment upgrades when they're losing money right and left.
dazz81
Oct 28, 09, 10:05 am
It's hard to fathom TG spending $$$ on entertainment upgrades when they're losing money right and left.
Well, thats not true, they made a profit for the first half of this year. And last year was the first loss in 43 years of operations....
pansted00
Oct 28, 09, 9:01 pm
Well, thats not true, they made a profit for the first half of this year. And last year was the first loss in 43 years of operations....
The new President already announed a substantial loss for the whole year.
He is a political crony, so expect the worst from him
Sam Drucker
Oct 30, 09, 2:00 pm
There was an article in the Bangkok Post on October 20th about the new boss:
New THAI boss sets four-year plan (http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/aviation/25955/new-thai-boss-sets-four-year-plan)
One line near the end of the article that you have to wonder about is this one:
One abuse he pointed out as affecting THAI's costs is passengers buying economy tickets but seeking to be upgraded to premium class.
Is he talking about cutting ROP upgrades, or the Thai government cronies that demand an upgrade?
BarryJS
Oct 30, 09, 5:01 pm
ROP upgrades wouldn't count as abuse.
BKKROP
Oct 30, 09, 9:15 pm
There was an article in the Bangkok Post on October 20th about the new boss:
New THAI boss sets four-year plan (http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/aviation/25955/new-thai-boss-sets-four-year-plan)
One line near the end of the article that you have to wonder about is this one:
One abuse he pointed out as affecting THAI's costs is passengers buying economy tickets but seeking to be upgraded to premium class.
Is he talking about cutting ROP upgrades, or the Thai government cronies that demand an upgrade?
Hi Sam Drucker, interesting that you found that quote too!!
During these quiet times in the International premium travel, I will openly buy an economy ticket if I know that class is overbooked and business is anything up to 50% capacity. As Gold I am assured of a seat, and the odds are I will be upgraded. If cancellations and no shows open up the economy cabin, I have the option of buying a stand by upgrade. Having said all that I did buy a swag of SQ business class tickets when they were on deep special a couple of months ago, and prior to buying contacted TG as to whether they would neet the price.
It makes good business sense to operate like this, and when I contacted our local manager, they agreed. When capacity increases I have no option as to buying full fare C/J. I telephoned them when I read this article, and asked directly were they referring to passengers like myself OR the "VIPs" that appear from time to time in the front cabins. You know how diplomatic the Thais are, and without down right admitting it was the latter, he inferred they were well and truely sick of the freeloaders, and what I was doing, was well within the rules and regulations of the Royal Orchid program. :) made me feel better, regards bkkrop
joy16
Oct 30, 09, 11:30 pm
There was an article in the Bangkok Post on October 20th about the new boss:
New THAI boss sets four-year plan (http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/aviation/25955/new-thai-boss-sets-four-year-plan)
One line near the end of the article that you have to wonder about is this one:
One abuse he pointed out as affecting THAI's costs is passengers buying economy tickets but seeking to be upgraded to premium class.
Is he talking about cutting ROP upgrades, or the Thai government cronies that demand an upgrade?
He mentioned the people who think they are VIPs, not ROP card holders.
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,357505,00.html
November 3rd 2009 of Business Times (Singapore) has an article on THAI's president. In the article there was mention of refurbishing 12 747's and 6 777's. I do not know what they are talking about- the 6 773's and 12 747-400 (first and business class only) already/nearly done, or further refurbishing. Interesting reading nonetheless.