CoachFlyer: THAI retires the Airbus A300 - Part II.

Continued from CoachFlyer: THAI retires the Airbus A300 - Part I.

On July 31st, Thai Airways International (TG/THA), or simply THAI, officially retired the Airbus A300 from service, ending over 36 years of operations. The final flight was TG045, service from Khon Kaen (KKC/VTUK) to Bangkok/Suvarnabhumi (BKK/VTBS), which was operated by their ultimate aircraft A300B4-622R HS-TAZ Srisubhan.

Airbus A300B4-622R HS-TAZ Srisubhan at Khon Kaen on the last day before her final flight back to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi as TG045. (Photo: THAI)

THAI's first of the type was A300B4-103 HS-TGH Srimuang, which was delivered on October 25th 1977 and introduced a few weeks later, while the first of the modernized 'A300-600' series was delivered on September 26th, 1985 with A300B4-601 HS-TAA Suwannaphum.

Airbus A300B4-622R HS-TAW Suranaree rotates from Khon Kaen in February 2014. She was decommissioned on May 31st. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The flag carrier acquired a total of 33 A300s (C4-203 x1, B4-103 x7, B4-203 x4, B4-601 x6, B4-605R x2, B4-622R x13) directly from the European manufacturer, forming the backbone of the regional fleet serving trunk intra-Asian routes, and briefly leased two others as well. It covered the Middle East to the west and Japan to the east.

Airbus A300B4-622R HS-TAZ Srisubhan receives the traditional water-cannon salute. (Photo: THAI)

However, since the introduction of the Airbus A330s and Boeing 777s as well as the transferring of more regional routes to Nok Air (DD/NOK) and Thai Smile Airways (WE/THD), their roles have gradually been relegated and by July 2014 the type served just four destinations; Chiang Mai (CNX/VTCC), Hanoi/Noi Bai (HAN/VVNB), Khon Kaen, and Krabi (KBV/VTSG).

Crews of the Airbus A300 disembark HS-TAZ Srisubhan. (Photo: THAI)

The final flight from Hanoi was operated on July 30th as TG565, while the morning of July 31st saw the type leaving Chiang Mai and Krabi for the last time as TG123 and TG242, respectively, leaving the flight to and from Khon Kaen to be the last.

The men who piloted THAI's Airbus A300s. (Photo: THAI)

 
By July, its fleet of A300s had also been reduced to just the ultimate three; HS-TAX Thepsatri, HS-TAY Srisoonthorn, and HS-TAZ Srisubhan. HS-TAT Srimuang flew its last revenue flight on June 30th as TG047 Khon Kaen – Suvarnabhumi and HS-TAW Suranaree on May 31st as TG557 Ho Chi Minh/Tan Son Nhat (SGN/VVTS) – Suvarnabhumi. HS-TAX was retired after TG047 Khon Kaen – Suvarnabhumi on July 19th and HS-TAY on July 30th as TG047 as well.

Airbus A300B4-622R HS-TAT Srimuang also participated in the ceremony. (Photo: THAI)

At Khon Kaen on the last day, enthusiasts took advantage of photo opportunities as the aircraft was parked away from the jet-bridge and boarding took place from the apron, which was done for the last flight. The aircraft departed the northeastern transport hub 30 minutes behind schedule at 1255 and took off from Runway 21. It touched down at Suvarnabhumi's Runway 19L after a flawless flight at 1355.

Farewell messages on the aircraft. (Photo: THAI)

Upon arrival at a remote parking spot, passengers disembarked via the airstairs to be greeted by a flock of THAI A300 pilots who were waiting for the arrival. After all customers had deplaned, staff and all of the A300 team boarded the aircraft for a taxi to the airline's hangar on the east side of the airport for the retirement ceremony.

Door closed for the last A300 HS-TAZ Srisubhan. The moment the AB6 became a legend. (Photo: THAI)

As it moved on its own power, it received a water-cannon salute moments before coming to a stop where two sisters were waiting; HS-TAW Suranaree and HS-TAX Thepsatri. The door was opened and all the A300 crew started disembarking the aircraft, beginning the 'closing door ceremony'. After all had deplaned, the L1 door was closed and a ribbon was placed on it. Everyone at the site signed the airplane.

Farwell THAI Airbus A300. (Photo: THAI)

A farewell ceremony took place in the hangars with THAI employees as well as THAI Fan Club members participating. You will be missed, goodbye THAI AB6: The Legend of the Sky.

Reference: Thai Airways International @ Facebook.

CoachFlyer: THAI retires the Airbus A300 - Part I.

It would be a day for me to remember, as it was my last flight on an Airbus A300 operated by Thai Airways International (TG/THA) (THAI), or probably by any carrier, as the type has now been phased out from most of the major airlines. It was just a few days before the national carrier retired the type on July 31st.

Airbus A300B4-622R HS-TAZ Srisubhan departs from rainy Khon Kaen as TG045 for her return leg to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi in July 2014. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

I have flown dozens of times on THAI's venerable widebody twin-jet, mostly between Bangkok/Suvarnabhumi (BKK/VTBS) and Khon Kaen (KKC/VTUK), but to some other cities as well. The short link connecting the northeastern transport hub and the capital is merely a 40-minute flight covering a direct distance of just 377 kilometers (234 miles), the shortest on the flag carrier's network. It being one of the last A300 routes is a testament to the aircraft's capability as a high-capacity, short-to-medium-range airliner, which is what garnered so much popularity in Asia for trunk regional routes.

HS-TAZ's economy class cabin. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Boarding for flight TG044 started at hazy Suvarnabhumi's Gate B3 at 1015 (TST), 30 minutes before departure time, starting with handicapped passengers, followed by Royal Orchid Plus Gold and Star Alliance Gold holders. General boarding commenced five minutes later. I found my seat at 49A, just behind the L3 door. THAI configured their A300-600s with 46 Royal Silk Class, the airline's business class product (BusinessFlyer TG041: KKC – BKK on Thai Airways International's Airbus A300.) and 201 economy seats.

Flying over Nakhon Ratchasima province. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Doors were closed at 1041, however, heavy rain started pouring soon after, and coupled with runway congestion, we were told our departure would be delayed by 15 minutes. It was not until 1107 that we were finally pushed back, 22 minutes behind schedule. We crossed the airport to the west side, making our way to the threshold of Runway 19R. We lifted off at 1125. After banking to the left towards east then heading north, the seat belt lights were turned off seven minutes after takeoff.

THAI's snack box and inside the front seat pocket. Sawasdee is their in-flight magazine. Duty free is not offered on domestic flights. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Our aircraft for today was A300B4-622R HS-TAZ Srisubhan, THAI's ultimate A300, which was only delivered on November 30th, 1998, not too old and actually newer than their first batch of eight A330-300s. It was piloted by Captains 'khun' Pornchai and 'khun' Wattana. Soon after we had reached 3,050 meters (10,000 feet), the flight attendants quickly walked to the galleys to prepare for in-flight service. We were served a snack box, which THAI does on all domestic flights, followed by rounds of hot tea, coffee, orange juice, and water.

The screen and R3 door. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Only 10 minutes later around 1145, the cabin crew started collecting trash, and as they were busy with that, HS-TAZ started its descent. We were past Nakhon Ratchasima. As we lowered our altitude, the farmlands of Isan, or the Thai northeast started to appear below us. At 1155, the seat belt lights were turned on, and with the gears down at 1202, we touched down on Khon Kaen's Runway 03 at 1208. Total flight time was 43 minutes. We taxied and came to a stop at Gate 1 at 1214, 34 minutes behind the published time.

HS-TAZ's toilet. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Khon Kaen has become a much busier airport, in parallel with the city's growth. It had only three daily THAI round-trips between Bangkok only four years ago, but now accommodates two THAI flights to Suvarnabhumi as well from Don Mueang (DMK/VTBD), Bangkok's older airport, are three Thai Smile Airways (WE/THD) round-trips, four Thai AirAsia (FD/AIQ) flights, and two Nok Air (DD/NOK) services. It is also linked with Chiang Mai (CNX/VTCC) by Kannithi Aviation (d.b.a. Kan Air) (K8/KND), while Lao Central Airlines (LF/LKA) runs seasonal international charters to and from Luang Prabang (LPQ/VLLB).

Final approach into Khon Kaen, passing over the fields and villages of Isan. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Although I spent some time to take photos from the adjacent parking lot, which offers an unobstructed view of the apron, I later traveled to the now bustling city to shop some things and get business done before my return flight to Suvarnabhumi in the evening. Downtown Khon Kaen is about a 15-minute taxi ride from the airport, costing around 200 THB.

Khon Kaen Airport now sees up to 12 round-trips per day. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

I arrived back at the airport around 1830, and after checking in, went outside to the parking lot again, to wait for the A300 to come in. At 1920, the aircraft thundered down the runway with its thrust reversers deployed to good effect. It was A300B4-600R HS-TAX Thepsatri, THAI's third-from-the-last A300, which was delivered to the airline back on December 10th, 1998. THAI's last five A300s were all delivered near the end of 1998, making them roughly 15.5 years old at the time of retirement.

Airbus A300B4-622R HS-TAX Thepsatri arrives at drizzling Khon Kaen as TG046 from Suvarnabhmi in July 2014. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Priority boarding started for TG047, service back to Suvarnabhumi, at 1938, followed by general boarding four minutes later. Knowing it would be my last had me filled with deep emotions; it was not like any other A300 flight I had taken in the past. I boarded and this time my seat was 36A, near the left Pratt & Whitney PW4158 engine. Doors were closed at 1955, and we were pushed back at 1959, a minute ahead of schedule. However, we had to hold short of the runway to wait for a Nok Air Boeing 737 and a Thai AirAsia Airbus A320 to come in, both arriving in from Don Mueang.

The cheerful flight attendants on TG047. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

At 2011, we took off from Runway 03, and as we climbed we banked to the left heading south, with the city lights of Khon Kaen clearly visible. Only six minutes later, the seat belt signs were turned off and again as always, the crew started the in-flight service immediately. Snack boxes were handed out, followed by rounds of hot and cold beverages. At 2023, Captains khun Bhudhibhuntu and khun Poonlap made their announcement welcoming passengers and that the aircraft was cruising at 11,580 meters (38,000 feet) at 800 kph (500 mph).

Food carts on board. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

I had a chance to chat with the cabin crew, who told me that for some this would be the last flight too. "It's a classic aircraft," said khun Patiphat, adding "She has worked so hard for so many years. She's like our teacher, as for all of us she was our first aircraft to fly." As they reminisced of some fond memories, the aircraft started its descent at 2029. Soon after at 2037 the seat belt lights were turned on and I returned to my seat. It was a rather bumpy descent.

Its classic dispensers. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

As we flew over Nakhon Nayok and Samut Prakan provinces and its extensive rice fields, we gradually lowered our altitude. Flaps were down at 2046, followed by the gears a minute later, and we quietly touched down on Runway 19R at Suvarnabhumi at 2050. Our total time in the air was a mere 39 minutes. We taxied to Gate B1, where we came to a stop at 2103. It would probably be my last landing on an A300.

Final approach into Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

I learned that this became the last flight for Thepsatri, as this aircraft was retired after this leg. After most passengers had disembarked, I took a few moments to glance at the classic cabin, to spend some time and say my one last thanks to the airplane that carried me so many times. She was certainly a workhorse for THAI and for the so many passengers it carried over the years, including myself.

Captains khun Bhudhibhuntu and khun Poonlap of TG047. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

I stepped slowly outside, and after I was in the terminal, I went to the windows to gaze at the A300 once last time. Khop khun maak, and chok dii na khrap! Farewell THAI A300. The final day of A300 operations came just a few days later on July 31st.

Continues to CoachFlyer: THAI retires the Airbus A300 - Part II.

BusinessFlyer TG041: KKC - BKK on Thai Airways International's Airbus A300.

Travel date: November 2013

Flight: TG041

Route: Khon Kaen (KKC/VTUK) - Bangkok/Suvarnabhumi (BKK/VTBS)

Carrier: Thai Airways International (TG/THA)

Aircraft: Airbus A300B4-622R HS-TAW 'Suranaree'

Class: Royal Silk Class (Business)

Direct distance: 377 km (234 miles)

Flight time: 56 minutes

We arrived at the airport, located approximately 10 kilometers northwest of the city of Khon Kaen, at around 0740. Home to 204,000 and a strategic transport hub of northeastern Thailand or 'Isan' (pronounced e-saan), Khon Kaen is a growing destination both in terms of business and tourism. Check-in with Thai Airways International (TG/THA), often referred to as simply THAI, was smooth with a dedicated counter for Royal Silk Class, their business class product, but there were also no waiting lines for economy with two lanes open. The departures hall housing the check-in counters as well as THAI and Thai AirAsia's (FD/AIQ) ticketing offices is located on the second floor, which also has Black Canyon Coffee and small souvenir shops, while the arrivals hall is located on the first floor along with two small shops, a foreign-exchange kiosk, and a handful of rental car counters. There is a restaurant with good Wi-Fi internet on the third floor.

Airbus A300B4-622R HS-TAW 'Suranaree' at Khon Kaen. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

No observation decks are there, but the adjacent parking lot provides an almost unobstructed view of the single 3,050-meter runway. Updated to accommodate international flights in 2005, Khon Kaen Airport is currently served by THAI four times daily from Bangkok/Suvarnabhumi (BKK/VTBS), including one flight operated under the THAI Smile brand, twice daily by Thai AirAsia from Bangkok/Don Mueang (DMK/VTBD), and twice weekly from Chiang Mai (CNX/VTCC) by Kannithi Aviation (dba Kan Air) (K8/KND). Lao Central Airlines (LF/LKA) runs seasonal international charters to and from Luang Prabang (LPQ/VLLB) in neighboring Laos, and rumors have it that Nok Air (DD/NOK) plans to launch a Phuket (HKT/VTSP) service.

Inside Khon Kaen Airport's terminal. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

There was only one lane for security check and no priority lane, but the line never seemed to get long. Tickets were checked and we were in the departures area within minutes. As Royal Silk Class passengers, we were invited to THAI's Royal Silk Lounge, which looked a bit dated with some furniture and the carpet worn out, but it provided free drinks and snacks, along with free Wi-Fi internet plus a variety of newspapers and magazines in both Thai and English. Staff at the entrance notified us when boarding started at 0820. Announcements were made first in Thai followed by English. Handicapped passengers were called first, followed by Royal Orchid Plus Gold and Star Alliance Gold holders. As we boarded our Airbus A300, we were greeted by THAI's cabin crew with a traditional 'wai' (Thai greeting), and a flight attendant guided us to our seats. They were handing out newspapers and blankets, along with a welcome drink, with a choice of apple juice, orange juice, or water, plus a hot towel.

THAI's Royal Silk Lounge at Khon Kaen. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

At 0843 the doors were closed and push-back started at 0845, on time. The two Pratt & Whitney PW4158 engines were started, and we taxied to the northern end of the runway. The aircraft rolled down and took off from Runway 21 at 0855, only using about two thirds or less of the total length. Only two minutes later, the seat-belt signs were turned off, and the cabin crew headed straight to the galleys to prepare for in-flight service for this 40-minute flight. For Royal Silk Class, they laid dining cloth on our tables, and we were served a pre-set tray with a meal served on real China and silverware. This was all done by 0905, when Mr. Dhanupath made the Captain's announcement welcoming passengers for what THAI calls Royal Orchid Service. The crew went through the aisle several times serving tamarind juice, orange juice, apple juice, hot tea, hot coffee, and water. Staff were smiling, but seemed to be more preoccupied with the list of tasks they had to do in such a short time.

The Royal Silk Class cabin on THAI's Airbus A300. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

THAI is one of the last few original Airbus A300 operators still flying the type on scheduled passenger services. Our aircraft for today was HS-TAW, an A300B4-622R delivered to THAI back on August 12th, 1998, and named 'Suranaree'. THAI's A300-600Rs seat 46 in Royal Silk Class and 201 in economy for a total of 247. First introduced in 1977, the airline acquired a total of 33 A300s (C4-203 x1, B4-103 x7, B4-203 x4, B4-601 x6, B4-605R x2, B4-622R x13) directly from the European manufacturer, forming the backbone of the regional fleet serving trunk intra-Asian routes. However, since the introduction of the Airbus A330s and Boeing 777s as well as the transferring of more regional routes to Nok Air and THAI Smile, their roles have gradually been relegated and the type currently serves just five domestic routes from Suvarnabhumi: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai (CEI/VTCT), Hat Yai (HDY/VTSS), Khon Kaen, and Phuket. It flies occasional international charters as well as substitutes for other aircraft when necessary. As of January 2014, THAI only had six of the example remaining: HS-TAO 'Chanthaburi', HS-TAT 'Srimuang', HS-TAW 'Suranaree', HS-TAX 'Thepsatri', HS-TAY 'Srisoonthorn', and HS-TAZ 'Srisubhan'.

Something close to a full meal for the 40-minute domestic flight. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Flight attendants started collecting dishes at 0920, and at that time descent had already been started. Seat-belt signs were turned on three minutes later. We passed over Samut Prakan province with our destination airport to the right of us, and made a sharp turn to the right above the Gulf of Thailand. Lining up for Runway 01R, gears were down at 0933. However, just a few kilometers before landing, the aircraft aborted landing and rapidly started to climb again. The Captain told us that there was a problem with the runway, but we later learned that an Oman Air (WY/OMA) Airbus A330 which was right before us was stuck on the runway after landing. So our aircraft made a final approach to Runway 01L, and with the gears down once again at 0949, we touched down at 0951 local time, for a total flight time of 56 minutes. Had we not had the go-around, it would have been exactly 40 minutes. We taxied to Suvarnabhumi's Gate B5 and blocked in at 0959, 19 minutes behind schedule. After an eight-minute walk to the domestic baggage claim hall, our suitcase was there by 1015.

Flying over Nakhon Ratchasima province. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

THAI provides efficient, relatively-consistent quality domestic services, but they have been feeling much more than pinches from the advent of LCCs, especially Thai AirAsia. June 2013 saw the government approving the spin-off of THAI's low-cost hybrid unit THAI Smile as a 100% subsidiary named Thai Smile Airways, and this should accelerate the transferring of additional domestic routes to the new child which operates only Airbus A320s, as well as the retirement of THAI's Airbus A300s and Boeing 737-400s. LCC Nok Air, 49% controlled by THAI, is also expanding and 'de facto' taking over some flights. Although no official retirement date has been set yet, the latest plan calls for the A300 to be retired in 2014 and the B737-400 in 2015. Hop on them while you can.