THAI's A340-541s sold to TAM Brasil
Sep 15, 2008, 6:02 am
#31
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: ATL
Programs: DL SkyMiles PM/2MM, AA Plat, IC Diam. Amb., Peninsula regular, amanjunkie
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It's what this whole thread (and three or four others) is about. TG bought four brand new planes to fly nonstop BKK-LAX and BKK-JFK. Fuel spiked. Loads decent. But still couldn't make the economics work. Had to abruptly cut JFK, reduce LAX frequency and add a stop, and put the planes up for sale-- unsuccessfully, as yet.
Sep 15, 2008, 11:02 am
#32
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: ROC;SIN
Programs: ROP
Posts: 426
Now that crude has fallen below $100, and would probably stabilize at $80 or so, what are the chances that they would reverse their decision and restart service?
RAISE the prices, TG! Everyone else is doing the same.
RAISE the prices, TG! Everyone else is doing the same.
Sep 16, 2008, 6:00 am
#33
Join Date: Dec 2004
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A complete turnabout and resumption of a discontinued service would be very unusual. But if one airline is capable of it, then it is TG.
The more likely result is that TG reconfigures the A345's to something more like the A346's and deploys them on long-haul (but not ultra-long-haul) routes or one-stop routes to the US. That would at least get the birds back in the air without resuming the most gas-guzzling aspects of the ULH operations.
The more likely result is that TG reconfigures the A345's to something more like the A346's and deploys them on long-haul (but not ultra-long-haul) routes or one-stop routes to the US. That would at least get the birds back in the air without resuming the most gas-guzzling aspects of the ULH operations.
Sep 16, 2008, 5:03 pm
#34
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: KKC/TPA
Programs: All statuses lapsed; now I'm just a free-agent, and loving it!
Posts: 1,245
I agree with everything Megatop Lover said above. I would also like to point out that THAI's (demoted then re-moted 
) President Apinan Sumanaseni wanted to cancel the nonstops to USA (it played out publicly) and replace them with 1-stops in early 2007, even as they awaited imminent delivery of their fourth and final A340-500. (Refer to the linked thread below.) That was somewhat of a debacle itself, as they stated they were going to daily nonstop services (from the 5x weekly services at the time), then said they were going to 1-stops, then claimed due to popular demand that they were going to daily nonstop service.
TG may cut nonstop flights to US (merged)
This all took place at a time when crude oil was around $65-$70/barrel; Thus, I don't think these flights will be coming back.
On the other hand, maybe if Apinan finally gets the boot (which could happen sooner rather than later if there is a significant change in political power in the Thai government), then new leadership might take different views on the whole situation.
) President Apinan Sumanaseni wanted to cancel the nonstops to USA (it played out publicly) and replace them with 1-stops in early 2007, even as they awaited imminent delivery of their fourth and final A340-500. (Refer to the linked thread below.) That was somewhat of a debacle itself, as they stated they were going to daily nonstop services (from the 5x weekly services at the time), then said they were going to 1-stops, then claimed due to popular demand that they were going to daily nonstop service. TG may cut nonstop flights to US (merged)
This all took place at a time when crude oil was around $65-$70/barrel; Thus, I don't think these flights will be coming back.
On the other hand, maybe if Apinan finally gets the boot (which could happen sooner rather than later if there is a significant change in political power in the Thai government), then new leadership might take different views on the whole situation.
Sep 17, 2008, 2:09 pm
#35
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1
I was reverifying my flight from LAX to BKK 10 Oct with my travel agent and it seems the 345's are still scheduled both directions. but...
When you go to seatguru dot com they have a notice on the 345's that say they will not be in use after Oct 1.
Will a technical stop at Osaka show on my ticket from BKK to LAX???
Thanks,
M
When you go to seatguru dot com they have a notice on the 345's that say they will not be in use after Oct 1.
Will a technical stop at Osaka show on my ticket from BKK to LAX???
Thanks,
M
Sep 17, 2008, 6:07 pm
#36
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: LAX
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Posts: 265
No, you will not have a stop.
The 1-stop in Osaka (on the 777-200ER) does not take effect until Oct. 26th.
For reference, check out TG's press release:
http://thaiairwaysusa.com/EN/News/Ne...ion.aspx?Id=31
The 1-stop in Osaka (on the 777-200ER) does not take effect until Oct. 26th.
For reference, check out TG's press release:
http://thaiairwaysusa.com/EN/News/Ne...ion.aspx?Id=31
Sep 18, 2008, 7:38 pm
#37
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: ROC;SIN
Programs: ROP
Posts: 426
Assuming no ultra last minute chagnes, of course. 
A change in political leadership might indeed help chances - this might be viewed as a matter of national pride. However, it might be less than optimal for Thailand.
I still don't understand why TG wouldn't raise their prices and/or add a 1-stop. They have great equipment. They have good service. However, they seem to prefer to charge a lower than average price, particularly for the JFK flight.
(Yes, I am still sore)
A change in political leadership might indeed help chances - this might be viewed as a matter of national pride. However, it might be less than optimal for Thailand.
I still don't understand why TG wouldn't raise their prices and/or add a 1-stop. They have great equipment. They have good service. However, they seem to prefer to charge a lower than average price, particularly for the JFK flight.
(Yes, I am still sore)
Sep 18, 2008, 9:17 pm
#38
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Assuming no ultra last minute chagnes, of course.
A change in political leadership might indeed help chances - this might be viewed as a matter of national pride. However, it might be less than optimal for Thailand.
I still don't understand why TG wouldn't raise their prices and/or add a 1-stop. They have great equipment. They have good service. However, they seem to prefer to charge a lower than average price, particularly for the JFK flight.
(Yes, I am still sore)
A change in political leadership might indeed help chances - this might be viewed as a matter of national pride. However, it might be less than optimal for Thailand.
I still don't understand why TG wouldn't raise their prices and/or add a 1-stop. They have great equipment. They have good service. However, they seem to prefer to charge a lower than average price, particularly for the JFK flight.
(Yes, I am still sore)