Bangkok, Thailand, 29 October 2007 — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn has applauded a decision by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to launch three-weekly services between Stockholm and Bangkok as from October 29.

The TAT Governor, who will be among the officials welcoming the 280 passengers expected to arrive on the inaugural flight, said it would go a long way towards boosting arrivals from Scandinavia, one of the top source markets for visitor arrivals in Europe.

The inaugural flight is due to arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on 30 October 2007, at 12.55 hrs.

“Sweden is the fourth largest source of arrivals from Europe,” Mrs Phornsiri said. “Swedish travellers get visa free entry to Thailand. The SAS services will play a major role in boosting travel between the two countries.”

In January-August 2007, arrivals from Sweden at Suvarnabhumi International Airport were up by 19.68% to 131,651. Total international arrivals recorded at Suvarnabhumi International airport in that period were 6.68 million, up 2.96% over same period of 2006.

As of October 2007, there were daily scheduled flights per week between Stockholm and Bangkok being operated by THAI Airways International.

The Stockholm-Bangkok route will complement SAS’ existing Copenhagen-Bangkok route. It will be served with an Airbus A340-300, offering passengers a choice of three service classes: Business, Economy Extra and Economy, with full service class flexibility when booking.

The flight will operate on Monday, Thursday and Saturday (SK 975 depart Stockholm at 20.35 hrs, arrive Bangkok 12.55hrs next day). The return Bangkok – Stockholm flight will operate on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday (SK 976 depart Bangkok 14.45 hrs, arrive Stockholm 20.10 hrs)

SAS enjoys the distinction of having played a very historic role in the development of Thai aviation. In 1960, SAS held a 30% share in the establishment of Thai Airways International. It also provided operations, managerial and marketing expertise, with training assistance aimed at building a fully independent national airline.

Contact information:
International Public Relation Division
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tatnews.org

Source : http://www.tatnews.org/tat_release/detail.aspωid=3543