Increased Asian links to Africa

Thai Airways have announced that they are to launch direct flights between Bangkok and Johannesburg in South Africa.

Commencing on October 31st 2006, the service, which will utilise the airline's Boeing B777-200ER aircraft, will fly three times a week between the two cities.

Departing Bankgkok Airport early morning and arriving into Johannesburg International Airport at 06:20 local time, the Bangkok-Johannesburg flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The return service will depart Johannesburg at 13:45 local time, reaching Bangkok the following day at 05:45 local time.

Executive vice president for commercial at Thai Airways International, Mr Vasing Kittikul, stated at a recent press conference that "the new service is a part of Thai’s long-haul business strategy, following the recent opening of direct flights to New York, Moscow and Los Angeles".

Its codeshare agreement with South African Airways, within South Africa, will also offer Thai Airways passengers convenient connections.

Thai Airways, which is part of the Star Alliance network, flies to 60 destinations in 34 countries.

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