What are Thai Airways' plans for the French market?
Jean-Michel Nasse - We are preparing for the arrival of the A380 on the Paris-Bangkok route from 16 February next. This will enable us to double the number of seats in business class and, more generally, to offer a top-of-the-range quality of service with a product specifically designed for Thai Airways. Despite the return to a daily service, compared with 10 weekly flights at present, the business offer will be increased by 40% for 2013, with 60 188 cm sleeper seats. First class capacity has also been increased to 11%, with twelve mini-suites. Thai Airways will be the only airline to offer First Class on this route. Business travellers will also benefit from in-flight WiFi, a new service to be launched with the arrival of the Airbus A380.
What role do business travellers play in Thai Airways' strategy?
J.-M. N. - Historically, the airline's image has tended to focus on leisure customers, but we have been making progress in the business segment over the last ten years or so. The proportion of high-contribution passengers is now around 12%. The support of the Star Alliance network is also helping us in this direction, and the arrival of the A380 in Paris can only increase our appeal to business travellers.
What are the company's challenges over the coming months?
J.-M. N. - Thai Airways will have to coexist with Thai Smile, a new medium-cost airline launched on the Asian network. It will also have to hold its own in the face of increased competition, particularly from the Gulf carriers, and deal with the fragility of the airline sector, which is affecting everyone, including Asian carriers. The outlook for 2013 is not very good, but we intend to inject some positive momentum and build on our strengths, our network of partners, and the attractiveness of Bangkok to French travellers, thanks to the special links that exist between the two countries.
