THAI recently welcomed the first of its six A380-800 – the largest passenger airline in the world – reaffirming its competitive advantage as one of the world’s premier carriers.
Thai Airways International (THAI) welcomed its first Airbus A380-800 at Suvarnabhumi Airport recently. The Airbus A380-800 is the largest passenger airline in the world, complete with the latest in modern state-of-the-art inflight products and services that make passenger travel comfortable and convenient whereby each passenger has a personal entertainment access.
THAI will have six Airbus A380-800s in its fleet that will be operated in international routes. The Airbus A380-800 will replace decommissioned aircraft and operate on high traffic demand routes. Will increase production, and successfully support company growth. THAI’s first Airbus A380-800 was royally bestowed the name, “Si Rattana” under registration code HS-TUA.
The first Airbus A380-800 began operating to and from Bangkok-Hong Kong and Bangkok-Singapore last Oct. 6. Upon delivery of the second aircraft, the tow aircraft will operate flights to and from Bangkok-Frankfurt and Bangkok-Hong Kong approximately in mid of this month (December 2012). In January 2013, the third aircraft will be utilized in flights to and from Bangkok-Narita. The fourth aircraft is expected to be delivered in February 2013, and will operate to and from Bangkok-Paris. The remaining two aircraft will be delivered at the end of 2013.
Environmentally Conscious
The A380-800 is the largest passenger aircraft ever built. It is also among the most environmentally and technologically advanced civil airliners flying today, with major innovations in construction, fuel efficiency, avionics, and flight-control systems. Some 25 percent of the aircraft is built using lightweight materials, including carbon fiber reinforced resin and GLARE, a fiber-aluminum laminate, used for the first time in civil airliner. Relative to the next largest aircraft, the Boeing 747-400, the A380-800 offers 50 persons more cabin area on its two full-length upper and lower levels, larger windows, and overhead bins, with 60cm (2ft) more headroom.
It was designed for the stringent noise and pollution controls demanded by major world airports. It carries up to 40 percent more passengers, yet creates significantly less noise and CO@ emissions than its rivals. A380-800’s fuel efficiency, advanced engineering, and technology results in up to 13 percent lower seat-mile costs than other aircraft types. With a full load it consumes less than three liters of fuel per passenger over 100km, comparable to an average family car. In service, the A380 has proved extremely popular with passengers due to its sense of space and enhanced levels of comfort, in all classes.
Size Matters
Major airports worldwide are facing serious congestion problems. Passenger demand continues to grow, while the number of flights airports can handle is already reaching available capacity. One partial solution lies in the use of larger aircraft, such as A380, which offers additional environmental benefits in terms of reduced levels of noise and air pollution effecting built-up areas around airports. Larger aircraft can help ease airport congestion and provide greater passenger capacity and economy in operation, especially over intercontinental routes.
What Makes THAI’s A380-800 Special?
Throughout its 50-year history, THAI has created an enviable reputation for the quality of its celebrated Royal Orchid Service as one of Asia’s most admired airlines. The six A380s joining the fleet are expected to continue this tradition, but add new dimensions for customer appeal.
The standard cabin layout offered by A380-800 manufacturers allow between 525 and 853 passengers. In THAI’s configuration, the number of seats is set to 507, in three classes: 12 in Royal First Class, 60 in Royal Silk (Executive) Class, and 435 in Economy. This design has been chosen to allow for enhanced comfort and service features in all classes and endorses THAI policy of providing the best possible flying experience “With touches of Thai.”
The inflight entertainment system on board THAI’s A380-800 offers passengers a total of 100 movies, 150 television programs, 500 CD albums, and 60 games. Inflight connectivity enables passengers to use mobile phones on board for a fee charged by the mobile service provider. SMS and MMS messages may be sent and received through GPRS or Wi-Fi connection, while passengers with WI-Fi enabled electronic equipment may access the Internet using Wi-Fi, so that passengers may remain connected when traveling on board flights.
THAI has installed additional gallery equipment, such as microwave, espresso machine, and galley air chiller. Passengers will enjoy a vast array of meal and beverage selection on board.
The décor and ambiance onboard THAI A380-800s will continue to reflect the airline’s long-established image, combining rich vibrant colors with traditional design elements seen, for example, on bulkhead murals. The overall atmosphere will be chic and sophisticated, with variable cabin “mood” lighting simulating different times of day. There will be 24 cabin attendants on each flight to maintain THAI’s highest standard of inflight service. This is supported, particularly, by the provision of seven galleys and food service stations, more than is offered on this aircraft by any other airline.
This “Customer Value Strategy” will ensure that all aspects of THAI’s inflight presentation, at every customer touch point, will maintain the airline’s competitive advantage as one of the world’s premier carriers.
