Mr. Somchainuk Engtrakul, Member of the Board of Directors Acting as President, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, said that the company has conducted successful operations on the route Bangkok –Chittagong, Bangladesh, since rerouting was conducted from Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Chittagong to operate instead on the route Chiang Mai – Bangkok – Chittagong, effective since October 2005 onwards.

The flight rerouting proved profitable for the company, beginning November – December 2005, with a cabin factor of approximately 66%. Studies conducted prior to flight revision concluded that Chittagong is the second city of importance in Bangladesh, with Dhaka being most important. Chittagong is a port of high importance, a labor market, with businessmen and affluent citizens. THAI first began operating flights to and from Chittagong on 11 December 2002. Even though initially the company experienced losses and increased fuel costs, the company initiated several sales incentives on a regular basis, placing heavy emphasis supporting elements that resulted in improved financial results and focus on expanding its cargo market.

In the first year operating this route, the company supported promotion of Chiang Mai as a medical care center, whereby people from Chittagong would travel to Chiang Mai for medical services.

The company has also received approval from the Bangladesh Cabinet to manage Chittagong’s Shah Amanat International Airport, in Chittagong, Bangladesh, for a period of 10 years.