THAI Milestones: Celebrating 65 Years of Flight

Founded as a collaborative venture between the national carrier Thai Airways Company Limited (TAC) and Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), THAI embarked on its maiden flight in 1960. In 1978, when the Thai government acquired the remaining shares, the airline became wholly owned by the Thai people.

From that moment onward, THAI has proudly showcased the essence of Thainess, connecting travelers to over 90 destinations across 39 countries.

Here are milestones from this remarkable journey:

1960

On May 1, THAI’s inaugural flight, a Douglas DC-6B with 60 passengers, takes off from Bangkok International Airport, then at Don Muang, en route to Hong Kong, Taipei, and Tokyo. Further scheduled services follow to Rangoon, Calcutta (Kolkata), Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Saigon and Phnom Penh.

1966

With the addition of a fleet of five Caravelle SE-210s, THAI becomes the first all-jet airline in Asia.

1970

THAI launches its Royal Orchid Holidays tour programme.

1971

THAI’s first intercontinental route, to Sydney, is launched, followed the next year by service to Copenhagen, the airline’s first European destination. 1971 is also the year that SAWASDEE, THAI’s inflight magazine, is first published.

1975

THAI’s slogan, Smooth as Silk, first appears alongside a newly designed orchid logo.

1980

THAI expands its routes to North America, crossing the Pacific Ocean for the first time with a Boeing 747-200 to Seattle.

1990

On its 30th anniversary, Thai Airways takes delivery of its first Boeing 747-400, the world’s largest commercial aircraft at the time.

1991

THAI’s privatization begins, with 100 million of the company’s shares listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).

1993

The airline’s frequent flyer program, Royal Orchid Plus, is launched.

1996

The Boeing 777-200, the first aircraft of its kind joins the fleet.
In June, THAI launches its first online flight reservation service at www.thaiairways.com.

1997

THAI, along with four of the world’s major airlines—Lufthansa, Air Canada, SAS, and United Airlines—founds the Star Alliance, the largest airline network in the world.

2006

THAI moves to the newly opened Suvarnabhumi Airport, the world’s third-largest, which begins commercial operations on September 28.

2011

THAI inaugurates non-stop flights to Brussels, Belgium.

2020

The year 2020 is heavily defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, which leads to global social and economic disruption. It takes a heavy toll on THAI’s operations, as it does on airlines worldwide. On September 14, Thailand’s Central Bankruptcy Court approves THAI to enter a court-supervised business rehabilitation plan.

2024

Under its “One THAI, One Fly” strategy, sister airline THAI Smile Airways is integrated into the THAI brand, leading to improvements in efficiency and service, and a more seamless travel experience for passengers.

THAI is ranked among the top 10 Best International Airlines in TRAVEL+LEISURE’s World’s Best Awards and wins “Guest Experience of the Year” for its “Taste of Thai Tales” inflight menu at the Travel Daily Media Travel Trade Excellence Awards.

2025

With its 65th anniversary, THAI exits rehabilitation and is set to resume trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in the second quarter. THAI is also working to strengthen its narrow-body aircraft fleet by installing comfortable Royal Silk Class seats and introducing a personal device in-flight entertainment system on the Airbus A320, as well as receiving the first Airbus A321neo by the end of the year.

Fly THAI. Smooth as silk.