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58 EASTERN HORIZON | NEWS

Thai Airways Launches “A

Flight To Nowhere” For

Religious Worshippers

Thai Airways International has launched a special losses encountered during the crisis. The ongoing
flight for those who would like to pray on board. The travel restrictions negatively impacted the country’s
idea is to complete a one-off flight as a part of the tourism industry and its national carrier. THAI filed
“Thai Magical Flying Experience” Campaign to over a restructuring plan back in May 2020. Its rehab plan
99 of the holiest Buddhist religious sites. was approved by the Central Bankruptcy Court on

September 14.
This flight, which is taking place on November 30,
2020 is also referred to as “flight to nowhere” as the Thai Airways ended 2019 with a net loss of $371 million
passengers’ primary goal is not to travel from point A (THB12 billion) and had $667 million (THB21.6 billion)
to point B but to enjoy the sightseeing experience while of cash reserves.
reciting mantras, instead. After 3 hours of flying over
31 provinces, such as Chon Buri, Rayong, Surat Thani, To generate revenue, the national carrier has been
Prachuap Khiri Khan, Nakhon Pathom, Suphan Buri, selling “flights to nowhere” as well as flight simulator
Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, etc., the passengers rides. Earlier in 2020, it also launched an airline-themed
will be taken back to point A which is Bangkok’s cafeteria selling in-flight meals in Bangkok.
Suvarnabhumi Airport.
While sightseeing flights were introduced to the market
For the flight, they will be given a prayer book and a quite some time ago, a “holy flight” is a more recent
Buddha amulet to use while meditating and chanting. trend. Wiwat Piyawiroj, an executive vice president for
The airlines also invited a famous Thai astrologist Dr Thai Airways International, explained that the initiative
Katha Chinbanchorn to spice up the journey and lead is expected to support the tourism sector, which is in
the worshippers. The flight attendants will make the line with the government’s policy. Flight tickets are
passengers comfortable by serving food and drinks. around THB10,000 (€275) for business class and about
This pilgrimage flight is a creative way to recoup THB6,000 (€165) for economy class. EH