1 May 1960

THAI flies to foreign skies

Thai Airways International (THAI) made its first international flight, from Bangkok to Tokyo via Hong Kong and Taipei.

Before the plane lifted off, Queen Sirikit presided over a ceremony to inaugurate the airline’s three new DC-6B aircraft. She inspected the Thai silk decor of their interiors, and presented plaques bearing the names of the planes, which had been chosen by King Bhumibol. The plane used for THAI’s maiden flight was named Suranaree, after a Thai woman revered for helping to protect Nakhon Ratchasima from an attacking army from Laos in 1826.

The Suranaree took off from Bangkok at noon with 60 passengers, including top government officials and journalists from Bangkok, Calcutta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Saigon.

The international service was a result of a joint venture with Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), and the mixed cabin crew had been trained in on-board hospitality by experienced instructors. ‘The girls have the makings of good hostesses,’ one instructor told reporters. ‘They are attentive, willing to serve, well-mannered and gentle.’

1 May 1960

THAI flies to foreign skies

Thai Airways International (THAI) made its first international flight, from Bangkok to Tokyo via Hong Kong and Taipei.

Before the plane lifted off, Queen Sirikit presided over a ceremony to inaugurate the airline’s three new DC-6B aircraft. She inspected the Thai silk decor of their interiors, and presented plaques bearing the names of the planes, which had been chosen by King Bhumibol. The plane used for THAI’s maiden flight was named Suranaree, after a Thai woman revered for helping to protect Nakhon Ratchasima from an attacking army from Laos in 1826.

The Suranaree took off from Bangkok at noon with 60 passengers, including top government officials and journalists from Bangkok, Calcutta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Saigon.

The international service was a result of a joint venture with Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), and the mixed cabin crew had been trained in on-board hospitality by experienced instructors. ‘The girls have the makings of good hostesses,’ one instructor told reporters. ‘They are attentive, willing to serve, well-mannered and gentle.’