With 2025 being a significant year for Thai Airways as it celebrates its 65th anniversary and exits a rehabilitation plan, Chief Commercial Officer Kittiphong Sansomboon shared insights on the airline’s evolution during the World Travel Market in London.

Sansomboon emphasized their plans for fleet expansion, specifically with the addition of 32 Airbus A321neo units. “As we speak, we’re receiving the first two by the end of the year. Next year, there will be around 15 or 16 aircraft coming into our fleet, allowing us to spread our wings across Asia.”

Enhancing Customer Experience

Focusing on customer experience, Sansomboon highlighted the airline’s efforts in cultivating a unique hospitality experience through what they refer to as the “six senses”—sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and emotional engagement.

“We are all about customer experience. We want to fulfill these senses with every step of our service, while ensuring both functional and emotional benefits are met.”

This translates into their in-flight offerings, which utilize local ingredients, blending community support with gastronomy. “The meals served on board feature locally sourced ingredients to promote sustainability while offering a taste of Thailand,” he explained.

Supporting Local Communities

Moreover, their initiatives extend to partnerships that empower local producers, with Sansomboon noting, “We carry coffee from the Royal Project, creating job opportunities and encouraging local agriculture. Additionally, our chocolate is made from high-quality cacao sourced within Thailand, showcasing the exceptional output of local craftsmen.”

The airline’s new Street to Sky initiative aims to bring authentic Thai street food into the skies, providing passengers in Economy Class a taste of traditional dishes crafted by local chefs, ensuring cultural stories accompany their meals.

“When we tell our passengers about the origins of the meals, it connects them deeper to Thailand’s culture and promotes a sense of community,” Sansomboon remarked.