Comprehensive network offers seamless connections via Bangkok

THANKS TO a seamless transhipment operation, cargo moving to China and Japan is taking advantage of Thai Airways’ favourable connections, particularly for the movement of perishables, says Ann Sanders, MD of agents GSAfrica. The airline operates an A340 600 on the Johannesburg – Bangkok route three times a week. With South Africa now going into summer and high midday temperatures the available capacity is 20 tons. “Out of Bangkok Thai operates wide body aircraft on all longhaul routes,” says Sanders. “Most of the destinations within Asia are serviced daily, sometimes with as many as seven daily flights. “On some of the popular destinations in Australia we offer double daily flights. The India services offer daily flights to Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Karachi and Mumbai.” China is in strong demand, says Sanders, with Thai operating double daily flights to Beijing, Guangzhou and Kunming and triple daily to Shanghai. There are between five and seven flights a day to Fukuoka, Nagoya, Tokyo and Osaka while Chittapong, Dhaka, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Macau, and Seoul are all on the schedule. All connections out of Bangkok are confirmed at the time the reservation is made with GSAfrica in Johannesburg,” said Sanders. “Tracking and tracing is available on the Thai website or through GSAfrica.” October 31 marks the first year of Thai's Bangkok – Johannesburg service. “Management in Bangkok is currently looking at ways to increase its market share within Africa,” she added.