Thai Airways International Public Company Limited is offering Royal First Class service for the first time to Dubai in the Middle East, starting from 1 December 2009 utilizing Airbus 340-600 aircraft.
Mr. Pruet Boobphakam, Executive Vice President, Commercial Department, said that Thai Airways International has always enjoyed loyal support from Arab and expatriate communities, where premium class travel in the Middle East has always been highly popular. The Middle East routes have had double-digit growth in the last few years. The Company views the Middle East as one of the most important markets in THAI's network, despite strong competition from Middle East based carriers. With the new Airbus 340-600, THAI is able to offer more seating in Royal Silk Class at a capacity of 60 seats and introduce eight Royal First Class seats.
Royal First Class passengers are offered dedicated First Class check-in counter service at Suvarnabhumi and Dubai Airports, Royal First Class Lounge access at Suvarnabhumi Airport and Royal Orchid Spa Lounge, providing two private therapy suites and sauna, exercise and yoga spaces.
Currently, THAI operates daily to Dubai, utilizing Airbus A330 aircraft and will begin utilizing the Airbus A340-600 on 1 December 2009, with a total seat capacity of 267: eight seats in Royal First Class, 60 seats in Royal Silk Class and 199 seats in Economy Class.
This upgrade in seat capacity for First Class passengers is part of an overall THAI strategy targeting the growing Middle East market. THAI serves Dubai, Kuwait and Muscat with high load factors.
THAI also takes pride in its Middle East credentials with a substantial Halal food catering division providing up to 4,000 meals a day on its own flights to Muslim countries such as Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Brunei, India, Oman, Kuwait and the UAE.
From The Nation
