Thai closes its low-cost Thai Smile, now it will all be operated by the national carrier
Southeast Asia is the realm of low-cost and ultra-low-cost airlines. That is why the three area giants Singapore, [...]
Thai Airways
Star Alliance
Thailand
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Southeast Asia is the realm of low-cost and ultra low-cost airlines. Therefore, the three area giants Singapore, Cathay, and Thay have all launched a carrier with which to preside over the short- to medium-haul route market.
With Thai's decision this period ceases altogether since both Cathay Dragon and Singapore's Silkair ceased to exist with the pandemic.
Where Thai Smile flies
Attentive readers will remember. My review aboard Thai Smile. right out of Bangkok to Chiang Mai. With its fleet of A320s, the company with a smile on its livery covered all domestic routes in Thailand and some in the medium-haul to neighboring nations.
In contrast, Thai with its fleet of only wide-body aircraft has always operated medium- to long-haul flights with larger aircraft.
Because it is good news
For lovers of Thailand this is good news since Thai Smile, although Thai-owned, was a hybrid with a low-cost carrier. Those who happened to travel with this airline did not accumulate points in the various Star Alliances and in the case of a domestic flight did not even have access to Thai's official lounges, even with Gold Star Alliance status.
In conclusion
Yet another demonstration that a premium carrier cannot handle even a low-cost carrier, too different the rules of engagement, too complex the two mechanisms to be handled by one head, of course unless your name is Emirates and you don't give a damn whether Fly Dubai makes or loses money.
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