Thai Smile Ceases Operations as Thai Airways Completes Swift Merger

In a strategic move to streamline operations and enhance overall service efficiency, Thai Smile, the low-cost subsidiary of Thai Airways International, officially concluded its flight operations on December 31, 2023. This marked the culmination of a rapid merger process that began earlier in the year, with Thai Airways now fully taking over Thai Smile’s flights and finalizing the integration of both airlines’ operations.

The final roundtrip services operated by Thai Smile departed from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to key destinations, including Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Krabi, and Khon Kaen. Over the course of its eleven-year existence, Thai Smile had successfully utilized a fleet of twenty A320-200s, primarily leased or subleased from its parent company, to handle domestic operations and certain regional flights.

Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri, who had announced the merger plans in early 2023, emphasized that the consolidation was a strategic decision aimed at optimizing operations. This included improvements in aircraft utilization and contributing to the overall profitability of Thai Airways. With the merger completed in less than a year, Eamsiri noted that the process was swift and efficient.

Throughout 2023, Thai Smile’s A320-200s underwent a gradual repainting process and were seamlessly reintegrated into the Thai Airways fleet. According to data from ch-aviation fleets advanced, all but four aircraft had been successfully returned to the parent airline by the end of the year. Eamsiri assured that any remaining merger-related activities, such as the transfer of remaining aircraft to the Thai Airways air operator’s certificate, would be concluded by January 31, 2024.

In addition to absorbing Thai Smile’s operations, the merger has marked Thai Airways’ return to domestic flights—a domain it had temporarily stepped away from following the establishment of Thai Smile. The flag carrier is now servicing nine domestic city pairs, reconnecting major destinations, including Phuket, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Hat Yai, Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Krabi, and Narathiwat, from its hub at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. This strategic move positions Thai Airways to strengthen its presence in the domestic market and underscores its commitment to providing comprehensive air travel services.