THAI Royal Orchid Plus and Sumitomo Mitsui Sign Co-Brand Contract

6 June 2012 - Thai Airways International Public Company Limited and the Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company signed an agreement to offer a special Royal Orchid Plus – Sumitomo Mitsui Co-Brand Credit Card designed for frequent travelers residing in Japan .

Mr. Pandit Chanapai, THAI Executive Vice President Commercial and Mr. Hitoshi Yoshimatsu, Deputy Chairman and Representative Director of the Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company, led the official signing ceremony and launch of a partnership between THAI, Royal Orchid Plus and the Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company.

The Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company, or SMCC, is among the 3 largest card issuers in Japan and is a pioneer in issuing specialized co-brand cards that leverages the brand and strengths of partners and SMCC.

Japan is one of the most important markets for THAI, which operates to 5 destinations in Japan . THAI operates over 60 flights weekly to Tokyo , Haneda and Narita, Osaka , Nagoya and Fukuoka .

For Royal Orchid Plus, Japan is also an important market, accounting for the 2 nd largest membership base outside of Thailand , with over 100,000 enrolled members. Japan is also home to almost 1,700 Platinum and Gold status members, those who travel very frequently on THAI for both business and leisure.

 With a large customer base in Japan , and with enormous potential for growth, leveraging the THAI brand and that of a market leader in Japan , will be a driver of business for both parties.   The Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company is an ideal card issuer with long experience and an unrivaled depth of knowledge of customer behavior in Japan .

The Royal Orchid Plus – Sumitomo Mitsui – Visa co-brand card was designed to reward cardholders with a range of benefits. For every 100 Yen spent, 1 Royal Orchid Plus mile will be earned. Bonus miles are also awarded when attaining the card and upon each renewal, automatic travel insurance when purchasing tickets on THAI, and much more. For frequent travelers, this ability to earn additional miles with everyday spending and enjoying a host of benefits that are travel-related will enable both THAI and SMCC to acquire new and loyal customers from the affluent frequent traveler segment.

 Within the first year, it is projected that over 5,000 co-brand cards will be in circulation in Japan , and strong year on year growth is projected that will confirm the market leadership of SMCC and continued expansion of customer loyalty to THAI within Japan .
    
Seen in photo:

Mr. Pandit Chanapai (3 rd left), THAI Executive Vice President, Commercial Department, and Mr. Hitoshi Yoshimatsu (3 rd right), Deputy Chairman and Representative Director, Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company celebrate the signing of the Royal Orchid Plus – Sumitomo Mitsui Co-Brand Contract, flanked by Mr. Dullayapong Sukhanusas (2 nd left), THAI Vice President, Alliance & Commercial Development Department, and Mr. Yoshiharu Shikami (2 nd right), General Manager, Corporate Business Solution Department, Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company.