THAI shifts focus to delivering fresh produce in bid to survive
Thai Airways International (THAI) has decided to focus on delivering seasonal vegetables and fruit to different countries in a bid to generate revenue amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
Suvadhana Sibunruang, vice president of THAI’s aviation business unit and acting managing director for cargo, mail and commercial flights, said the airline was cooperating with the Transport, Commerce and Agriculture and Cooperatives ministries to export fresh produce to not just generate revenue for farmers and exporters, but also for itself.
"We have asked the Commerce Ministry to give us information on the trend of fruit and vegetable exports because the airline is currently operating semi-commercial flights and expect the cargo business to generate revenue next year,” he said.
He added that THAI has set up a schedule for semi-commercial flights for the following routes for December:
• Bangkok-London every Sunday
• Bangkok-Frankfurt every Friday
• Bangkok-Copenhagen every Sunday
• Bangkok-Hong Kong every Wednesday
• Bangkok-Tokyo (Narita) every Wednesday and Saturday
• Bangkok-Taipei every Friday plus one extra flight on December 23
• Bangkok-Sydney every Sunday
Meanwhile, Somdet Susomboon, director-general of the Department of International Trade Promotion, said THAI's decision to shift its focus to cargo busines will help facilitate the export of fresh produce and flowers.
“The airline will benefit from this business into the new year because the export sector is recovering gradually,” he said.
