Thai Airways International 50 Years Anniversary.

In May 2010 Thai International Airways celebrated the 50th Anniversary of its foundation as the national airline of the Kingdom of Thailand.. During this half century Thai has projected the flag and the prestige of the nation. Thai Airways has been a flying ambassador around the world, playing a dynamic role in the development of Thailand's dynamic economy, promoting tourism and and trade worldwide and making a major contribution to the commercial and social welfare of the nation. It has also help establish Bangkok as a leading aviation hub of South-east Asia.

The history of Thai over the past 50 years has been a story of rapid growth. and success almost without parallel in the international aviation industry. The first Thai flight took place on the morning of 1 May 1960 in a Douglas DC-68 aircraft which tool off from Bangkok's Don Muang Airport with 60 passengers onboard and flew to Hong Kong., Taipei and Tokyo. By its 50th year in 2010, Thai Airlines had grown to a fleet of 85 jetlineres carrying 20 million passengers and 500,000 tons of air cargo annually..

Initially Thai operated a purely regional service from Bangkok to just nine Asian cities. Today its route network extends to 70 destinations across five continents.

In 1960 tourism was just beginning to be a significant contributor to Asian economies. Less than 200,000 international travelers visited Thailand that year. Today over 14 million tourists arrive annually and tourism has become the countries most valuable source of foreign exchange income.


Thia 26,000 employees benefit from the companies constant and comprehensive training programmes. In pilot training Thia is a leader with state-of-the-art facilities benefiting its own crew and pilots from other airlines.

As part of its dedication to the promotion of touirism,Thai established in 1970 its own programmes of Royal Orchid Holidays, which today extends to 32 countries.

Thai was one of the 5 founding members of Star Alliance, which since has become the worlds largest and strongest global network.

Thai's award-winning frequent flyer programme, Royal Orchard Plus, now boasts over 2.5 million members.

As Thailand's national Airline, Thai seeks to be a first choice global carrier of "High Trust and World Class, with Toucvhes of Thailand".