Thai Airways Cut Direct Flights to United States
In response to rising fuel costs, Thai Airways have announced a major shake-up in their service between Thailand and the United States.
From July 1st 2008, Thailand’s national carrier will no longer operate a direct service between Bangkok and New York. The same fate awaits the Bangkok to Los Angeles service which will cease operating later on in the year. In the meantime, direct flights between Bangkok and Los Angeles will be cut back to 5 a week from the existing 7 a week.
The soaring price of oil has meant that jet fuel, which was costing US$270 per gallon last year, is now priced at $400 per gallon and is impacting on all airlines not just Thai Airways. With the long-haul services consuming the most fuel, this is the area Thai have targeted first in their bid to reduce operating costs. Flights from Bangkok to London and Johannesburg may well be the next to feel the pinch as Thai Airways tightens its belt.