THAI'S HISTORY IN NEPAL: On 4^th December,1968, Kathmandu inhabitants had their first glimpse of Thai's 72 seater SE 210 Caravelle aircraft as it marked history by gliding down smoothly on the unfamiliar runway. The absence of any fencing in the airfield allowed curious onlookers to throng around the aircraft and marvel at its size, shape and in particular at the huge billowing parachute which helped aircraft to stop. This first passenger jet aircraft to ever land in the Kathmandu Valley was greeted in traditional; Nepalese style with offering of flowers and coins by on looking crowd.

THAI was the first ever-airlines to operate jet service from Kathmandu and the airlines that opened the Himalayan Kingdom as a new tourist destination to the world. It was a spectacular and memorable event in Nepalese Aviation history.

In the beginning, THAI operated once a week flight between Bangkok and Kathmandu and soon after one more flight was added to cope with the high demand of passengers. During 1969, aircraft was upgraded to DC9-41 followed by DC8-33 in 1972 and AB300¬B4 in 1980. From the end of October, 1997, THAI operates daily flights to Bangkok with A300-600 aircraft. For the short period of October-December, 1998, THAI operated its flight with A330 aircraft. THAI introduced B777-200 aircraft from November, 1998 which continued operate until today. Now THAI operates 9 flight a week with configuration of 30 business class seat and 279 economy class seat making total of 309 seats per flight.

THAI also introduced first computerized reservation system in Kathmandu in February, 1985 and provided this facility to its leading travel agents from 1990.

The airlines played a leading role in the development of tourism not only in Thailand but also helping worldwide for the promotion of Nepal as major tourist destination through the various media like in-flight magazine "Sawasdee" and Royal Orchid Holiday Packages tour to Nepal. THAI has actively participated in "Visit Nepal Year 1998" as THAI also celebrated its 30`h years in Nepal in the same year. THAI has produced stickers and Nepal posters to be distributed to its worldwide sales offices.

Royal Orchid Lounge at the Tribhuvan International Airport is the only lounge operated since 1990 by airlines in Kathmandu. It has the capacity to accommodate 60 passengers at a time and offers this facility to other airlines also.

THAI as to facilitate passenger has implemented E-Ticketing on NOV 2005.

THAI service to this Himalayan Kingdom is remarkable as it has acted as a catalyst in promoting tourism to make it what it is today, a thriving. Well established and recognized industry and the major foreign exchange earner for the Kingdom.

THAI will continue to maintain its leading role for the promotion of tourism in Nepal in the years to come.