THAI sees profit return as tourism resumes

Thai Airways International (THAI) reported its fourth quarter profit almost tripled after Thailand eased pandemic-related border restrictions and tourists started to return to the country, according to various media reports. The carrier’s net income for the three months ended 31 December rose to 11.2 billion baht (US$322 million) from 4 billion baht a year earlier, Chief Executive Officer Chai Eamsiri said. Operating income for the period was 8.9 billion baht versus a 2.6 billion baht loss a year earlier, while total revenue jumped almost 370% to 36.9 billion baht. “The return of Chinese travelers will help support our strong growth in 2023,” Chai told a press briefing. “Demand is so high that we’re scrambling to add flights and procure more aircraft.” Thai Airways plans to exit from a court-supervised debt restructuring earlier than scheduled in late 2024 as a rebound in global air travel boosts its cash flow and reduces the need for new loans. The airline, which has posted net losses every year barring two since 2013, filed for bankruptcy protection in 2020 before most creditors agreed to extend terms and cut some payments as part of its $5.3 billion rehabilitation plan. For the full year, Thai Airways’ operating loss excluding one-time items came in at 4.6 billion baht, down from a 29.2 billion baht deficit in 2021. The company’s net loss for the period was 252 million baht versus a 55 billion baht profit a year earlier, when it booked a one-time gain of about 62 billion baht from a debt restructuring. Total operating revenue in 2022 jumped 342% to 105 billion baht. Thailand’s flagship airline expects to carry about 19 million passengers this year, up from 9 million in 2022, according to Chai. Total revenue will probably reach 140 billion baht in 2023, he said. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]