Thai Airways Sees Red

Insider Story Locations

Find our most recent stories tagged by their locations. Click here for more story locations.

Posted: 21 Mar 2012 | 6:00 am

No, its not the return of the political inspired red shirt crisis but Thailand's national flag carrier plunged into a THB10 billion loss in 2011.

While the airline has cited the Japanese earthquake and flooding in the country as key drivers; most industry analysts point to a continued erosion of market share to the low-cost carriers (LCC's).

With most of the LCC's flying newer smaller aircraft, the aging Thai Airways fleet is quickly becoming antiquated.

The airline had planned on the additon of 38 new aircraft, though a shoud of doubt has not been cast over the acquisition plans.

Ultimately Thai is stuck between a rock and a hard place, not unfamilier territory for legacy carriers such as Qantas and JAL.

In the age of regional growth, smaller more fuel effient aircraft and lower cost structures are the only way to maintain a competitive advantage.

Can Thai reinvent itself or will it be headed to crisis management mode? Stay tuned.

DO YOU LIKE THIS?

Insider up to the Minute

Cool Hunting - On the Web

Get out of the box. komune Bali surf resort
www.komuneresorts.com

Uber ultra villa holidays
exclusiveresorts.com

Art, design and just too cool Bali-style
www.theyakmag.com

PHUKET WEATHER

The Green Report

A column featuring environmental issues and conservation around the island. Click here for more Green Reports check out the latest story from the leading experts:

TV Show Features Phuket Solar Villa

A recent Channel News Asia television segment Boomtown Asia checked into the island's environmental, and sustainable tourism sectors.

Resorts Loving Evening Breeze Natural Air System

The innovative Evening Breeze environmental cooling system is gaining global attention in the resort markets and villas.