June 9, 2008
BANGKOK - Flag carrier Thai Airways will cancel its direct flight from Bangkok to New York as rising fuel prices cut into profits. Four planes used on the route will be sold.
"As of July 1, Thai Airways will not fly to New York because of high fuel prices. We have enough passengers, but the high fuel prices have put the airline in a difficult position," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Thai Airways will maintain its direct flight to Los Angeles, which will be the carrier's only remaining US destination.
The airline may reduce the frequency of that route and other less profitable destinations later in the year.
The airline's board of directors also decided to swiftly sell all four of its Airbus 340-500, which are only used for long-haul flights, according to AFP.
The former government was said to push for Thai Airways flight to New York just because the benefits could be shared by some politicians, according to the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD).
