LONDON – As the Chinese government relaxes its travel rules in mid-January, Chinese travelers gear up for a mass exodus to Thailand with Thai Airways in Beijing & Shanghai.
Thailand’s flag carrier Thai Airways prepares for relaunching of key routes to China, including the capital Beijing and financial center Shanghai.
The airline is delighted to welcome Chinese travelers back to Thailand after 3 years hiatus.
The Chinese market is one of the most important sources of income for Thailand’s flag carrier, as Chinese visitors make up the largest inbound traffic since the pandemic.
Even though Thailand open its border in late 2021 under the test & go scheme, Chinese tourists did not return as Beijing (Chinese government) still implemented its notorious zero-covid policy.
Flights to Beijing
Flights from Bangkok to Beijing will re-commence on the first of March 2023, with only 3 flights per week, compared to double daily prior to the pandemic.
Flights to Beijing from Bangkok will fly on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, respectively, with a departure time from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi at 10:10 AM – 15:50 PM as TG614.
For the return leg, the airline will fly back to Bangkok as TG615, departing Beijing at 17:05 and arriving at Bangkok at 21:15.
The aircraft type for this particular route is still yet to be determined.
Flights to Shanghai
Flights from Bangkok to Shanghai will re-commence on the first of March 2023, with only 4 flights per week, compared to double daily prior to the pandemic, similar frequency to Beijing prior to 2019.
Flights to Shanghai from Bangkok will fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, respectively, with a departure time from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi at 10:35 AM and arriving in Shanghai Pudong Airport at 15:50PM as TG665.
For the return leg, the airline will fly back to Bangkok as TG665, departing Shanghai at 17:20 and arriving at Bangkok at 21:15.
The aircraft type for this particular route is still yet to be determined.
Thai Airways is notorious for last-minute equipment swaps and is very inconsistent with its fleet scheduling.
Therefore, we do not want to speculate which aircraft type it will use for the newly relaunched routes.
Thai Airways Gearing Up
As has been written before, Thai Airways will be adding additional A350s to its fleet of 12, with 2 expected to arrive this year.
In fact, the airline’s first of the two new A350s has been spotted at Toulouse wearing a Thai Colour scheme with the registration of OE-IBP, manufacture serial number 351.
According to Planespotters.net, the aircraft is meant for Hainan Airlines but refused delivery due to the pandemic. It is yet to be known which registration Thai Airways will assign the new aircraft.
Extra Lifeline for Thai Airways…
Prior to the pandemic, Thai flew to other cities in China, including Kunming, Xian, Chengdu, and Guangzhou.
Despite Thai Airways’ financial situation improving very rapidly and posting an operating profit as of last year, the relaunching of these Chinese routes will be a boost to the airline’s financial health, which is already in a healthy state.
Depending on demand, we hope to see these two routes recover to pre-pandemic levels.
