Thai Smile Air will start services to domestic destinations such as Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Chiang Rai and Surat Thani from July 2012, with international operations to Southeast Asia, China and India starting in 2013.

Thai Smile Air will commence operations with four Airbus A320 aircraft, said parent company Thai Airways International. Thai Smile Air's fleet will eventually grow to 11 A320s.

Thai Smile Air, positioned as a regional carrier, will offer business and economy class services. The carrier will operate out of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Thai Smile Air is a wholly owned subsidiary of Thai Airways. On 19 August, Thai's board approved the unit's business plan, investment plan and organisational structure.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news