THAI suspends, reduces flights due to soaring fuel prices

BANGKOK, June 22 (TNA) -- Soaring aviation fuel prices have forced Thailand's national carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) to suspend some routes altogether and reduce flights to other major world cities, a senior THAI executive said Sunday.

THAI executive vice president/commercial Pandit Chanapai said Sunday the airline has already suspended its seven flights per week to New York for an indefinite period, while flights to Los Angeles and Beijing have been reduced to five from seven, and flights to Chengdu are cut to three from five weekly.

Flight frequencies on other routes will also be reduced in future except to Europe, where the carrier is still enjoying profits and passenger capacity also meets the target, said Mr. Pandit.

Admitting that flight reductions have affected THAI's passengers, Mr. Pandit said the airline's passenger capacity projected earlier at 74 per cent would be reduced from two-three per cent due to an increase in ticket prices which have forced prospective passengers to think more carefully before making a journey.

Because of soaring oil prices, THAI is evaluating its operational plans every three to six months, he added. (TNA)