“It’s Friday, it’s Friday. And I want to get my showdown on, my showdown on!” I hear you guys, and I’m ready to deliver. It’s time for another Friday Showdown, so are you READYYYYY?
On today’s showdown we’re pitting two Asian airlines against each other: Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific versus Bangkok-based Thai Airways.
Both airlines have been flying for years and years, and both see the customer experience as paramount to their service.
Now, today’s challenge for the airlines is this:
“Why should a customer planning an Asian holiday book a seat on your airline?”
Thankfully, Terry is back this week after feeling under the weather recently.
He’s back, recharged, and ready to rumble.
The question is: are you?
Take it away Terry.
TERRY: Thanks Shaun.
In the purple corner we have Thai Airways.
Thailand’s national airline has its hub city in Bangkok, 83 aircraft in its fleet, and prides itself on its smiling staff.
And with “Smooth as Silk” as its company slogan, you just know this airline knows how to network at industry events…
Let’s hear it for Thai Airways!
TERRY: And in the green corner we have Cathay Pacific – the Hong Kong-based airline that’s been flying since 1946!
With a fleet size of 187 aircraft, which fly to over 177 destinations, Cathay Pacific is a bona-fide Asian heavyweight.
It’s slogan is “Life Well Travelled,” but how will the airline travel today?
Give it up for Cathay Pacific!
TERRY: Let’s have a clean and fair fight guys.
(BOTH AIRLINES NOD)
**Round one.**
Ready? Set? Go!
And it’s Cathay that are off to a killer start.
The airline has just handed the customer a few itineraries that include such awesome destinations like Manila, Ho Chi Minh, and even Bangkok.
By giving passengers the chance to break up their journey in Hong Kong, where they can feast on some of the best dim sum in the world, CX gives Aussies the chance to tick off two Asian cities on a single trip.
Go Cathay, go!
TERRY: And if that’s not enough, Cathay has just reminded the crowd that they offer Premium Economy class, and that its financials in December grew strongly compared to the previous year – so it looks as if they are going from strength to strength!
TERRY: But it’s going to take much more than that to ruffle Thai Airways’ feathers.
Thai Airways has appealed to the Aussie crowd by reminding punters that it’s recently appointed Australian, Bryan Banston, as the vice-president of sales for Thai Airways!
And now Thai Airways is talking up its world-class entertainment options – e.g., its interactive AVOD system which literally offers passengers hundreds of channels and movies – and its refreshing beverages available in its Business Class (e.g., “Violet Breeze” which is a blend of chilled lime juice and pressed Thai butterfly-pea blossoms).
The crowd is lapping this up like a fresh coconut in Koh Samui, even moving some to dance!
TERRY: But hold on just a second.
Now Cathay is telling the crowd tha….
DING DING DING!
TERRY: Unfortunately we’ve run out of time guys!
Both Cathay Pacific and Thai Airways did a great job in putting their cases forward for the customer.
Cathay have a very extensive route network, which opens up the world for Australian travellers. And Thai Airways’ commitment to making customers comfortable when flying at 30,000 feet is very commendable.
Whatever airline customers choose, they’re definitely in good hands!
But ultimately it’s up to you guys to decide on who won.
So we’ll leave that decision to you, and I’ll now hand it back to Shaun.
SHAUN: Thanks Terry. It was great to have you back.
So guys, who do you think should be the winner out of today’s battle of the airlines: Cathay Pacific or Thai Airways?
That decision is up to you…
***Did you check out last Friday’s showdown between Cruiseabout and Cruise Guru?