Thai Airways has launched a probe into allegations that executive chairman Wallop Bhukkanasut did not pay for approximately 260kg of excess luggage on a flight from Tokyo-Narita to Bangkok.

"The investigation will focus on the people involved in this," says a Thai Airways spokeswoman, who adds: "This could be considered a loss incurred by the company."

The investigation will be conducted through interviews, she says.

According to various media reports, Bhukkanasut and his wife allegedly failed to pay for the excess luggage, and also routed it through a special channel to avoid paying taxes and fees.

The scandal has resulted in calls from the public for Bhukkanasut to resign.

The findings of the enquiry are expected in three weeks, Thai Chairman Ampon Kittiampon is reported as saying in Thai media.

The national carrier has posted losses in recent times, but is now embarking on a financial turnaround plan led by its new president Piyasvasti Amranand.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news