THAI forming ad-hoc teams to boost business
Thai Airways International is developing plans to boost business during a period of global economic instability and to compensate for reduced activity in the current low season.
Areepong Bhoocha-Oom, chairman of the THAI board of directors, yesterday said the airline was forming several teams specifically to deal with these issues.
The teams are from the sales and marketing, finance, and human-resources departments, as well as from the president’s consultants.
"We are preparing strong teams to drive the airline forward. Some departments already have team heads and are now starting new strategies," he said.
One of the key figures invited to help boost the carrier’s fortunes and increase revenue is a foreigner who formerly ran an airline based in the Middle East, said the THAI chairman.
The individual will be hired on a six-month term at a cost of Bt10 million and is expected to help restructure the national carrier’s marketing and business plans, he added.
Areepong said THAI was launching a number of new strategies, such as a sales department that responded more quickly to slow-business situations by offering attractive prices or promotions for some destinations in order to stimulate bookings.
Call-centre and communication units will follow soon, he added.
As the newly appointed permanent secretary at the Tourism and Sports Ministry, Areepong said he also intended to work closely with tourism authorities with a view to boosting international arrivals.
During the first six months, the number of passengers flying on THAI increased by 20 per cent from the same period last year.
The number is expected to rise further in the upcoming high season, which runs from November until March or April, he said.
The airline and the Tourism and Sports Ministry will initiate more strategies to boost travel business in the current low season by offering more attractive packages and upping the focus on niche markets, such as free independent travellers, high-spending tourists, and medical and healthcare visitors, he added.
"THAI and the tourism minister will be seeking more quality tourists visiting the Kingdom. And THAI has products to serve that target group," Areepong said.
