Thai Airways has apparently put aside its concerns about being joined in the Star Alliance by close rival Singapore Airlines (SIA). Shortly after SIA was formally admitted to the alliance at the start of April, executives from the two airlines met in Bangkok to discuss areas of co-operation.
Thai Airways president Thamnoon Wanglee had seemed concerned that SIA's presence in Star could dent business for his own airline, but during a reception in Singapore to welcome SIA into the fold, he publicly declared Thai's commitment to the grouping, saying: "We are not leaving Star Alliance."
The Thai carrier has been courted by all the rival global alliance groupings, interested in taking a stake in the airline as its privatisation moves ahead. Thai is currently being prepared for partial privatisation with approval from Thailand's Cabinet for a proposal to sell 23% to the public and to a strategic airline partner.
A main asset for an airline partner is the carrier's hub at Bangkok, providing an important gateway to South-East Asia. Its main competitor, however, is Singapore's Changi Airport.
Star member chief executives have also committed to bidding for a stake and Thamnoon backs the move, saying that divesting equity to alliance members is an "absolute" priority. "The bidding process has to go on but we are positive that Star will come in to be the successful bidder," he says.
Lufthansa chairman Jürgen Weber adds: "We will bid as Star Alliance and you can be sure we will put up a very strong bid. You can be sure we will be successful."
Source: Airline Business
