BANGKOK — Cartoon Network characters have come to life onboard a specially-branded THAI Smile Airways airplane, unveiled at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport today. The Airbus A-320 is the result of an exciting partnership between the airline and Cartoon Network Amazone, near Pattaya on Thailand’s eastern seaboard, as the waterpark looks to serve up a unique treat for its guests in its first full year of operation.
This is the first aircraft of its kind anywhere in the world and will feature characters from the hit show Adventure Time both inside and outside, bringing smiles and a dose of fun for every passenger at a time when the country is celebrating Songkran and Thai New Year. The inaugural flight will take place on April 4 from Bangkok to Phuket.
The Cartoon Network-themed aircraft was presented to the public during the unveiling ceremony held at the THAI Airways’ hangar and presided over by Ms. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports. She said: “The unique collaboration between these two companies – THAI Smile Airways and Cartoon Network Amazone – will definitely create an excitement in Thailand’s tourism industry, as well as remind everyone of the great honor for Thailand to be chosen as the first tourist destination in the world to have a Cartoon Network theme park, and to present an inviting visual for travelers to visit the waterpark and explore other tourist attractions in the country that are filled with beauty, culture and Thainess.”
Mr. Santi Chudintra, Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, Tourism Authority of Thailand, expressed great optimism when he shared that the unique collaboration could easily support the government in welcoming some 29 million tourists annually to Thailand. “The collaboration between THAI Smile Airways and Cartoon Network Amazone is a fresh and creative strategy to promote the Thai tourism industry. There is no better time than to launch the aircraft during the upcoming Songkran festival, which is one of the main highlights on the tourism calendar that always attract people to Thailand. The aircraft will add more color to the already vibrant summer and fun-filled Songkran festival,” he said.
Dr. Kanit Sangsubhan, Ph.D., Chairman of Board of Directors, THAI Smile Airways Co., Ltd. revealed that THAI Smile Airways had signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Amazon Falls Co. Ltd, the waterpark’s owner and operator, in December 2014 in order to enhance Thailand’s popularity with tourists. “Painting the aircraft with Cartoon Network characters, which are superstars that have fans all over the world, would surely attract tourists whether it is parking at the airport, taxiing on the runway or taking off and landing,” he assured.
“Cartoon Network Amazone is one of the favorite local destinations among these particular groups of tourists,” revealed Mr. Liakat Sultan Dhanji, Chairman and CEO of Amazon Falls Co., Ltd. “Embellishing the Thai Smile aircrafts with the images of the Cartoon Network superstars on the livery is like a breath of fresh air that will further enliven and enhance Thailand’s image to the world as a world-class tourism destination. It conjures images of fun activities that await the whole family travelling to Thailand,” he added.
“We are delighted and extremely proud of this partnership between Cartoon Network Amazone and Thai Smile Airways. The waterpark is a world first for Cartoon Network and is an impressive international attraction that is highly attractive not just for the people of Thailand but also for travelers across Asia Pacific and beyond. I am certain this unique partnership between two leading brands will contribute significantly to promoting Thailand’s appeal as a must-visit tourist destination for many years to come,” said Ricky Ow, President of Turner International Asia Pacific.
