10/09/2018: Orient Thai Airlines Is Liquidated

DALLAS — Today, in 2018, Orient Thai Airlines (OX) was liquidated after 23 years of operations.

The airline was founded in 1995 as Orient Express Airlines, out of the ashes of Cambodian International Airlines. With a fleet of three Boeing 727-200s and a single 737-200, OX was granted rights to serve up to 20 domestic routes from Bangkok's Don Mueang International (DMK) and Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX).

Expansion

OX then purchased several Lockheed L1011-1 Tristar's to commence charter flights between DMK, CNX, and European destinations. However, these flights failed to materialize. It did, however, launch routes to Hong Kong (HKG), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Seoul (ICN), and Singapore (SIN).

In December 2003, OX launched a new low-cost domestic subsidiary, One-Two-Go Airlines (OG). Services started using a fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-82s. A pair of Boeing 757-200s were later added.

Royal Seal of Approval

OX and OG would become the only Thai airlines to bear the Royal Seal of Thailand, made possible thanks to owner Udom Tantiprasonchai's close ties with the King of Thailand.

Tragically, on September 16, 2007, OG Flight 269 crashed while attempting to land at Phuket International Airport (HKT). Following the crash's fallout, OX and OG were forced to suspend operations.

The airlines took to the skies again in December 2008, and just under two years later, OX took delivery of its first Boeing 747-400 (HS-STC).

Demise

However, financial woes continued to mount. It slashed its route network and fleet but was again sanctioned by the Civil Aviation Administration of China after violating various regulations.

In late 2017, it briefly suspended operations again but was later re-certified by Thai aviation authorities. But it was not enough. Operations were suspended again in July 2018 as part of a complete restructuring process that failed to turn around the airline's ailing fortunes.

Featured image: Boeing 747-300 (HS-UTN) started life with Japan Air Lines in 1984.