The Thai Smile logo strongly connects with the parent company and supports its mission. The emblem indicates that the brand offers significantly more privileges and opportunities to customers, expanding the concept of Thai hospitality and professionalism.
Thai Smile: Brand overview
Thai Smile, a Thai Airways International subsidiary airline, operates in Bangkok, Thailand. In 2011, Thai Airways International laid out a vision for a new airline. The aim was to create a carrier that could stand up to the rising competition from budget airlines while offering a premium service.
On March 30, 2012, the new airline officially became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thai Airways International. The brand was designed to bridge the gap between full-service and low-cost carriers, providing a “light premium” experience.
The first commercial flight from Bangkok to Macau took off on July 7, 2012, marking the beginning of its operations.
During its initial year, the company quickly expanded its network, incorporating domestic and international routes. The airline began flights to cities such as Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai in Thailand, as well as international destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
In 2014, the brand obtained its unique IATA code – WE – to function more independently within the aviation industry.
By 2015, the fleet had expanded to 20 Airbus A320 aircraft. This growth significantly increased the company’s route network and flight frequency.
Continuing its development, the air operator added more routes and increased flight frequencies in 2016, focusing on enhancing the quality of passenger service.
In 2017, the brand reinforced its partnership with Thai Airways International, enabling both airlines to use resources more efficiently and offer passengers a wider range of flights and services.
The aviation firm expanded further in 2018, launching flights to India and other Southeast Asian destinations.
In 2019, the air operator started preparing to join the Star Alliance as a connecting partner.
On February 25, 2020, the airline officially became a Star Alliance connecting partner, enhancing its collaboration with other members and improving passenger services.
Meaning and History
What is THAI Smile?
This is a Thai regional airline and a subsidiary of Thai Airways International. It is known for its unique business model that combines elements of full-service and low-cost carriers. The company operates a fleet consisting exclusively of Airbus A320 aircraft, ensuring high operational efficiency on regional routes. It is known for its “light-premium” service, offering passengers complimentary meals and beverages on board and the opportunity to earn miles in the Royal Orchid Plus loyalty program.
2012 – today
To emphasize the positivity of the Thai airline’s services, the designers crafted an incredibly bright logo described as celestial. The design lacks a direct reference to the aviation industry and focuses on a charming style, ethnic motifs, and various colors. The logo begins with a national ornament featuring spiral elements. Following this is the businesslike text “Thai,” with curves similar to those on the roofs of Asian buildings, acting as serifs in this emblem. The third and largest part of the logo depicts the word “Smile,” colored in orange, yellow, purple, and pink.
The use of multiple colors in the text “Smile” generates a sense of cheerfulness and optimism, reflecting the airline’s quality of service. The spirals and ethnic motifs enhance the logo’s cultural relevance, making it distinctive and memorable. The curves in the text “Thai,” reminiscent of traditional Asian architecture, impart a sense of place and cultural significance, linking the airline’s origins with its international presence.
The bright and vibrant logo designed for the Thai airline captures positivity and warmth. The national ornament with spiral elements introduces a traditional touch, connecting the logo to Thai culture. The word “Thai,” with its architectural curves, adds an element of sophistication and elegance, while the colorful “Smile” infuses the design with energy and happiness. Each color in “Smile”—orange, yellow, purple, and pink—contributes to a lively and welcoming appearance, mirroring the airline’s friendly service.