Thai Airways (THAI) has announced the creation of a sub-brand airline called Thai Smile yesterday.

Ampon Kittiampon, chairman of the airline’s board, said the board had approved the establishment of the airline, which is a business unit affiliated with THAI.

Thai Smile will start flying in July next year. Mr Ampon characterised it as a light-premium airline segmented between full-service and low-cost.

THAI president Piyasvasti Amranand said the moniker was chosen from 2,229 entries in a naming contest.

He said Thai Smile will operate using THAI’s TG airline code with 11 Airbus A320 planes in its fleet, four of which are slated for delivery next year.

Read more: Bangkok Post