Four vie to head Thai Airways
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Four outsiders are racing to rescue national carrier Thai Airways International from its financial crisis.
A THAI representative said yesterday that four applicants for president would be short-listed based on their qualifications and capabilities. The finalists will be passed to the board of directors for selection.
The source said two hopefuls had been competing for the post since the last opening. This time, without any insiders, two new outsiders are joining. The airline on Wednesday closed applications and expects to take weeks to welcome its next chief.
“Among the four candidates, there is one, Charumporn Jotikasathira, ex-president of the Stock Exchange of Thailand, with a high possibility of being picked for the post,” the source said.
Charumporn was approached by the finance minister to come in and deal with the tough situation, especially the financial crunch.
However, the human resources department did not disclose details on all four applicants.
Acting THAI president Siwakiat Jayema early this week said the airline should achieve its cost-cutting target of Bt3 billion to Bt4 billion this quarter, as it saw positive signs for its load factor during the high season that would help it pull it out of its financial morass.
Suraphon Isragura Na Ayuthya, executive vice president for commercial affairs, said the airline would focus on the corporate market to secure income for the entire year.
Corporates targeted
The airline aims for Bt157 billion in ticket sales this year amid many headwinds including political issues and the global economic instability.
“We will boost sales to corporations both in Thailand and overseas. In the domestic market, we have signed memoranda of understanding with seven giant companies and four travel companies. This will help secure the whole year’s sales,” he said.
The big companies include Thai Namthip, Thai Beverage, BB, Bayer and Quality Ceramic, while the four travel agencies are Bonus Travel, Rungsap Holiday, Skadia Travel and Born Holiday.
The airline expects that corporate sales will rise by 10 per cent next year and also contribute a larger share of total ticket sales than the current 5 per cent.
This year, the airline is counting on Bt3 billion in sales to 412 corporations in the domestic market and Bt3 billion to government organisations. It hopes sales to these two groups will reach Bt10 billion next year.
