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{{Short description|Defunct airline of Thailand (1965–1976)}}
{{distinguish|text=[[Siam Air]]}}
{{Infobox airline
{{Infobox airline
| airline = Air Siam
| airline = Air Siam
| image = AirSiam--.jpg
| logo = AirSiam--.jpg
| image_size = 100
| logo_size = 100
| alt = <!-- Describe the logo to a sight impared user -->
| alt =
| IATA = VG<ref name="vg74-2.jpg" />
| IATA = VG<ref name="vg74-2.jpg" />
| ICAO = &mdash;<!-- XXX -->
| ICAO =
| callsign = &mdash;<!-- XXXXXXXX -->
| callsign = AIR SIAM
| founded = {{Start date|1965|9|15|df=y}}
| founded = {{start date|1965|09|15|df=yes}}
| commenced = {{Start date|1970}}
| commenced = {{start date|1970|||df=yes}}
| ceased = {{End date|1976}}
| ceased = {{end date|1976|||df=yes}}
| aoc = <!-- XNXN --> <!-- Alpha numeric pattern varies -->
| aoc =
| bases = <!-- {{plainlist|
| bases =
| hubs = [[Don Mueang International Airport]]
* [[Airport Name1]]
⚫
| secondary_hubs =
* [[Airport Name2]]
⚫
| focus_cities =
}} -->
| frequent_flyer =
| hubs = <!-- {{plainlist|
| lounge =
* [[Airport Name1]]
| alliance =
* [[Airport Name2]]
| subsidiaries =
}} -->
⚫
| fleet_size =
⚫
| secondary_hubs = <!-- {{plainlist|
⚫
| destinations =
* [[Airport Name1]]
| parent =
* [[Airport Name2]]
| headquarters =
}} -->
⚫
| key_people = [[Varananda Dhavaj|Prince Varanand]] (founder)
⚫
| focus_cities = <!-- {{plainlist|
| revenue =
* [[Airport Name1]]
| operating_income =
* [[Airport Name2]]
| net_income =
}} -->
| profit =
| frequent_flyer = <!-- Name of frequent flyer program -->
| lounge = <!-- Name of airport lounge or member's club -->
| assets =
| alliance = <!-- Name of multi-airline alliance -->
| equity =
| subsidiaries = <!-- {{plainlist|
| website =
* [[Subsidiary1]]
* [[Subsidiary2]]
}} -->
⚫
| fleet_size = <!-- NNN -->
⚫
| destinations = <!-- NNN -->
| company_slogan = Thailand's intercontinental airline (1974)<ref name="vg74-2.jpg" />
| parent = <!-- Parent company's legal name, if applicable -->
| headquarters = <!-- [[City]], [[State/Province]], [[Country]] -->
| key_people = {{plainlist|
⚫
* [[Varananda Dhavaj|Prince Varanand]] <small>(founder)</small>
}}
| revenue = <!-- {{Increase/decrease/steady compared to previous year}} [[United States Dollar|US$]]XXX million <small>(''FY YYYY'')</small> -->
| operating_income = <!-- {{Increase/decrease/steady compared to previous year}} [[United States Dollar|US$]]XXX million <small>(''FY YYYY'')</small> -->
| net_income = <!-- {{Increase/decrease/steady compared to previous year}} [[United States Dollar|US$]]XXX million <small>(''FY YYYY'')</small> -->
| profit = <!-- see [[profit (accounting)]] -->
| assets = <!-- {{Increase/decrease/steady compared to previous year}} [[United States Dollar|US$]]XXX million <small>(''FY YYYY'')</small> -->
| equity = <!-- {{Increase/decrease/steady compared to previous year}} [[United States Dollar|US$]]XXX million <small>(''FY YYYY'')</small> -->
| website = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
}}
}}


'''Air Siam''' was an airline based in Thailand which operated from 1965 until 1976.
'''Air Siam''' was an airline based in [[Thailand]] which operated from 1965 until 1976.


==History==
==History==
The airline was established as ''Varan Air-Siam'' on 15 September 1965 by [[Varananda Dhavaj|Prince Varanand]], who was the major shareholder at the time.<ref name="FI1974" /> Operations started in 1970 using [[Douglas DC-4]] equipment, initially flying the [[Bangkok]]−[[Hong Kong]] route as a freighter service.<ref name="FI1974" /> Following an agreement with [[Overseas National Airways]] for the [[Aircraft lease|wet-lease]] of a [[Douglas DC-8-63]] and operational assistance from [[Trans World Airlines]],<ref name="FI1971-919" /><ref name="FI1971-444" /> scheduled passenger services started in {{start date|1971|3}} serving Bangkok, [[Honolulu]], [[Tokyo]] and [[Los Angeles]].<ref name="FI1974" /> All these services were suspended in {{start date|1972|1}}; the Bangkok–Hong Kong sector was reactivated in {{MONTHNAME|5}} the same year with a leased [[BAC One-Eleven]] and extended to Tokyo seven months later, in {{start date|1972|12}}, operated with a [[Boeing 707]].<ref name="FI1974" />
The airline was established as ''Varan Air-Siam'' on 15 September 1965 by [[Varananda Dhavaj|Prince Varanand]], who was the major shareholder at the time.<ref name="FI1974" /> Operations started in 1970 using [[Douglas DC-4]] equipment, initially flying the [[Bangkok]]−[[Hong Kong]] route as a freighter service.<ref name="FI1974" /> Following an agreement with [[Overseas National Airways]] for the [[Aircraft lease|wet-lease]] of a [[Douglas DC-8-63]] and operational assistance from [[Trans World Airlines]],<ref name="FI1971-919" /><ref name="FI1971-444" /> scheduled passenger services started in {{start date|1971|3}} serving Bangkok, [[Honolulu]], [[Tokyo]] and [[Los Angeles]].<ref name="FI1974" /> All these services were suspended in {{start date|1972|1}}; the Bangkok–Hong Kong sector was reactivated in {{MONTHNAME|5}} the same year with a leased [[BAC One-Eleven]] and extended to Tokyo seven months later, in {{start date|1972|12}}, operated with a [[Boeing 707]].<ref name="FI1974" />


In {{start date|1974|4}}, the carrier placed an order for two [[Airbus A300]]s,<ref name="FI1974-496" /> one [[A300B2]] and one [[A300B4]], taking an option for one more of the longer-range variant.<ref name="FI1974-513" /> After taking delivery of the first of these aircraft on a lease basis from [[Airbus]] in {{start date|1974|10}}, Air Siam became the second operator worldwide in deploying the type on scheduled services, after [[Air France]].<ref name="Airliner prices index" />{{rp|590}} Also in 1974, the company placed an order for a [[Douglas DC-10-30]], to be used on the Bangkok–Los Angeles route.<ref name="FI1974-291" /> Rights for the routes the airline intended to deploy the [[Airbus A300|A300]]s on were never granted, and the A300B2 was returned to the lessor just a year after it was incorporated into the fleet.<ref name="FI1975-648" />
In {{start date|1974|4}}, the carrier placed an order for two [[Airbus A300]]s,<ref name="FI1974-496" /> one [[A300B2]] and one [[A300B4]], taking an option for one more of the longer-range variant.<ref name="FI1974-513" /> After taking delivery of the first of these aircraft on a lease basis from [[Airbus]] in {{start date|1974|10}}, Air Siam became the second operator worldwide in deploying the type on scheduled services, after [[Air France]].<ref name="Airliner prices index" />{{rp|590}} Also in 1974, the company placed an order for a [[McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30]], to be used on the Bangkok–Los Angeles route.<ref name="FI1974-291" /> Rights for the routes the airline intended to deploy the [[Airbus A300|A300]]s on were never granted, and the A300B2 was returned to the lessor just a year after it was incorporated into the fleet.<ref name="FI1975-648" />


Before Air Siam started flying long-haul services, Thailand's [[flag carrier]] [[Thai Airways International|Thai International]] was the country's single long-haul operator.<ref name="Far East airline market" /> Already in 1974, the airline had accused both Thai International and the Thai Civil Aeronautics Board for obstructing their expansion plans.<ref name="FI1974-828" /> Despite various [[Government of Thailand|governments]] had considered the possibility of a merger, this never materialised.<ref name="Far East airline market" /> A new government taking office in 1976 had a different vision and decided that Thailand should have just one long-haul carrier.<ref name="Far East airline market" />{{rp|1564}}
Before Air Siam started flying long-haul services, Thailand's [[flag carrier]] [[Thai Airways International|Thai International]] was the country's single long-haul operator.<ref name="Far East airline market" /> Already in 1974, the airline had accused both Thai International and the Thai Civil Aeronautics Board for obstructing their expansion plans.<ref name="FI1974-828" /> Despite various [[Government of Thailand|different Thai governments]] considering the possibility of a merger, this never materialised.<ref name="Far East airline market" /> A new government taking office in 1976 had a different vision and decided that Thailand should have just one long-haul carrier.<ref name="Far East airline market" />{{rp|1564}}


==Destinations==
==Destinations==
[[File:Air Siam Airbus A300 Volpati-2.jpg|thumb|An [[Airbus A300]] in Air Siam [[Aircraft livery|livery]] on short final to [[Kai Tak International Airport]] in 1974.]]
[[File:Air Siam Airbus A300 Volpati-2.jpg|thumb|An [[Airbus A300]] in Air Siam [[Aircraft livery|livery]] on short final to [[Kai Tak Airport]] in 1974.]]
Throughout its history, the airline served the following destinations:<ref name="vg74-1.jpg" />
Throughout its history, the airline served the following destinations:<ref name="vg74-1.jpg" />
* '''Hong Kong'''
* '''Hong Kong'''
** [[Hong Kong]]{{spaced ndash}}[[Kai Tak Airport]]
** [[Hong Kong]] – [[Kai Tak Airport]]
* '''Japan'''
* '''Japan'''
** [[Tokyo]]{{spaced ndash}}[[Narita International Airport]]
** [[Tokyo]] – [[Haneda Airport]]
* '''Thailand'''
* '''Thailand'''
** [[Bangkok]]{{spaced ndash}}[[Don Mueang International Airport]] (''[[Airline hub|Hub]]'')
** [[Bangkok]] – [[Don Mueang International Airport]] (''[[Airline hub|Hub]]'')
* '''United States'''
* '''United States'''
** [[Honolulu]]{{spaced ndash}}[[Honolulu International Airport]]
** [[Honolulu]] – [[Daniel K. Inouye International Airport]]


==Fleet==
==Fleet==
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|archivedate=19 October 2012
|archivedate=19 October 2012
|accessdate=19 October 2012
|accessdate=19 October 2012
|quote=The European A300 is now in service with two airlines. Air France began operations on April 22 between [[London]] and [[Paris]] and Air Siam took delivery of a leased A300B2 last week.
|quote=The European A300 is now in service with two airlines. Air France began operations on April 22 between [[London]] and [[Paris]] and Air Siam took delivery of a leased A300B2 last week.
|deadurl=no
|url-status=live
|df=dmy
}}}}
}}}}
* {{allow wrap|{{cite journal
* {{allow wrap|{{cite journal
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|archivedate=19 October 2012
|archivedate=19 October 2012
|accessdate=19 October 2012
|accessdate=19 October 2012
|deadurl=no
|url-status=live
|df=dmy
}}}}
}}}}
{{endflatlist}}</ref>
{{endflatlist}}</ref>


<ref name="ATDB">{{cite web |title=SubFleets for: Air Siam |date=19 October 2012 |url=http://www.aerotransport.org/php/go.php?query=operator&qstring=Air+Siam&where=42325&luck= |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6BX5D8gmZ?url=http://www.aerotransport.org/php/go.php?query=operator&qstring=Air+Siam&where=42325&luck= |archivedate=19 October 2012 |accessdate=19 October 2012 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="ATDB">{{cite web |title=SubFleets for: Air Siam |date=19 October 2012 |url=http://www.aerotransport.org/php/go.php?query=operator&qstring=Air+Siam&where=42325&luck= |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235111/http://www.aerotransport.org/php/go.php?query=operator&qstring=Air+Siam&where=42325&luck= |archivedate=3 March 2016 |accessdate=19 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


<ref name="Far East airline market">{{flatlist}}
<ref name="Far East airline market">{{flatlist}}
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|archivedate=19 October 2012
|archivedate=19 October 2012
|accessdate=19 October 2012
|accessdate=19 October 2012
|deadurl=no
|url-status=live
|df=dmy
}}}}
}}}}
* {{allow wrap|{{cite journal
* {{allow wrap|{{cite journal
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|archivedate=19 October 2012
|archivedate=19 October 2012
|accessdate=19 October 2012
|accessdate=19 October 2012
|deadurl=no
|url-status=live
|df=dmy
}}}}
}}}}
* {{allow wrap|{{cite journal
* {{allow wrap|{{cite journal
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|archivedate=19 October 2012
|archivedate=19 October 2012
|accessdate=19 October 2012
|accessdate=19 October 2012
|deadurl=no
|url-status=live
|df=dmy
}}}}
}}}}
{{endflatlist}}</ref>
{{endflatlist}}</ref>


<ref name="FI1971-444">{{cite journal|title=Air Transport... |journal=Flight International |date=1 April 1971 |page=444 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1971/1971%20-%200479.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6BX4fSzoN?url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1971/1971%20-%200479.html |archivedate=19 October 2012 |accessdate=19 October 2012 |quote=Air Siam is reported to be ready after long delays to begin trans-Pacific services with a DC-8 wet-leased from ONA. [[TWA]] is rendering operational assistance to Air Siam. |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
<ref name="FI1971-444">{{cite journal|title=Air Transport... |journal=Flight International |date=1 April 1971 |page=444 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1971/1971%20-%200479.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020152527/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1971/1971%20-%200479.html |archivedate=20 October 2012 |accessdate=19 October 2012 |quote=Air Siam is reported to be ready after long delays to begin trans-Pacific services with a DC-8 wet-leased from ONA. [[TWA]] is rendering operational assistance to Air Siam. |url-status=live }}</ref>


<ref name="FI1971-919">{{cite journal|title=Air Transport... |journal=Flight International |date=24 June 1971 |page=919 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1971/1971%20-%201032.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6BX3dX5JV?url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1971/1971%20-%201032.html |archivedate=19 October 2012 |accessdate=19 October 2012 |quote=Air Siam reports excellent load factors for its first two months' trans-Pacific operations to Los Angeles. Overall load factor on the twice-a-week passenger/freight service has been 50 per cent, much higher than budgeted, and increased frequency is being considered. Air Siam operates a DC-8-63 wet-leased from Overseas National. |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
<ref name="FI1971-919">{{cite journal|title=Air Transport... |journal=Flight International |date=24 June 1971 |page=919 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1971/1971%20-%201032.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407105207/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1971/1971%20-%201032.html |archivedate=7 April 2014 |accessdate=19 October 2012 |quote=Air Siam reports excellent load factors for its first two months' trans-Pacific operations to Los Angeles. Overall load factor on the twice-a-week passenger/freight service has been 50 per cent, much higher than budgeted, and increased frequency is being considered. Air Siam operates a DC-8-63 wet-leased from Overseas National. |url-status=live }}</ref>


<ref name="FI1974">{{flatlist}}
<ref name="FI1974">{{flatlist}}
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|archivedate=16 October 2012
|archivedate=16 October 2012
|accessdate=16 October 2012
|accessdate=16 October 2012
|deadurl=no
|url-status=live
|df=dmy
}}}}
}}}}
* {{allow wrap|{{cite journal
* {{allow wrap|{{cite journal
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|archivedate=16 October 2012
|archivedate=16 October 2012
|accessdate=16 October 2012
|accessdate=16 October 2012
|deadurl=no
|url-status=live
|df=dmy
}}}}
}}}}
{{endflatlist}}</ref>
{{endflatlist}}</ref>


<ref name="FI1974-291">{{cite journal|title=Siamese DC-10 |journal=Flight International |date=12 September 1974 |page=291 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%201407.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6CZ3eFeaZ?url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%201407.html |archivedate=30 November 2012 |accessdate=30 November 2012 |quote=Air Siam has ordered a single DC-10-30 for delivery later this year. It will be used on services between Bangkok and Los Angeles, which are due to start on November 25. |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
<ref name="FI1974-291">{{cite journal|title=Siamese DC-10 |journal=Flight International |date=12 September 1974 |page=291 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%201407.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618163518/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%201407.html |archivedate=18 June 2015 |accessdate=30 November 2012 |quote=Air Siam has ordered a single DC-10-30 for delivery later this year. It will be used on services between Bangkok and Los Angeles, which are due to start on November 25. |url-status=live }}</ref>


<ref name="FI1974-496">{{cite journal|title=Asian Airbus |journal=Flight International |date=25 April 1974 |pages=496 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%200634.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6BXOzT4Nh?url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%200634.html |archivedate=19 October 2012 |accessdate=19 October 2012 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
<ref name="FI1974-496">{{cite journal|title=Asian Airbus |journal=Flight International |date=25 April 1974 |pages=496 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%200634.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618163500/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%200634.html |archivedate=18 June 2015 |accessdate=19 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>


<ref name="FI1974-513">{{cite journal|title=World airlines update |journal=Flight International |date=17 October 1974 |page=513 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%201653.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6CZ3IH7Kb?url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%201653.html |archivedate=30 November 2012 |accessdate=30 November 2012 |quote=Air Siam has leased an A300B2 from Airbus Industrie pending the delivery of a new A300B4 next year. The aircraft will replace 707s on the Bangkok-Hong Kong route. Air Siam has also taken an option on a further A300B4 and ordered a DC-10-30 for use between Bangkok and Los Angeles. Additionally, the airline has extended its lease of a single 747 from [[Aer Lingus]] until May 1976. |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
<ref name="FI1974-513">{{cite journal|title=World airlines update |journal=Flight International |date=17 October 1974 |page=513 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%201653.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217231706/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%201653.html |archivedate=17 December 2013 |accessdate=30 November 2012 |quote=Air Siam has leased an A300B2 from Airbus Industrie pending the delivery of a new A300B4 next year. The aircraft will replace 707s on the Bangkok-Hong Kong route. Air Siam has also taken an option on a further A300B4 and ordered a DC-10-30 for use between Bangkok and Los Angeles. Additionally, the airline has extended its lease of a single 747 from [[Aer Lingus]] until May 1976. |url-status=live }}</ref>


<ref name="FI1974-828">{{cite journal|title=Air Transport |journal=Flight International |date=27 June 1974 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%200968.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6BXQTuqNc?url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%200968.html |archivedate=19 October 2012 |accessdate=19 October 2012 |quote=Air Siam has accused Thai International and the Thai Civil Aeronautics Board of obstructing its plans for expansion. |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
<ref name="FI1974-828">{{cite journal|title=Air Transport |journal=Flight International |date=27 June 1974 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%200968.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618163429/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%200968.html |archivedate=18 June 2015 |accessdate=19 October 2012 |quote=Air Siam has accused Thai International and the Thai Civil Aeronautics Board of obstructing its plans for expansion. |url-status=live }}</ref>


<ref name="FI1975-648">{{cite journal|title=Airliner market |journal=Flight International |date=30 October 1975 |page=648 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%202364.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6CZ3Wg30d?url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%202364.html |archivedate=30 November 2012 |accessdate=30 November 2012 |quote=Air Siam is returning its leased A300B2 to Airbus Industrie on the expiry of the lease today. The reason given was that the routes which the airline had in mind when it took on the aircraft have not been granted; the airline has had more success on its longer routes, for which the A300B2 lacks range. Air Siam intends to acquire a second McDonnell Douglas DC-10. |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
<ref name="FI1975-648">{{cite journal|title=Airliner market |journal=Flight International |date=30 October 1975 |page=648 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%202364.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618163450/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%202364.html |archivedate=18 June 2015 |accessdate=30 November 2012 |quote=Air Siam is returning its leased A300B2 to Airbus Industrie on the expiry of the lease today. The reason given was that the routes which the airline had in mind when it took on the aircraft have not been granted; the airline has had more success on its longer routes, for which the A300B2 lacks range. Air Siam intends to acquire a second McDonnell Douglas DC-10. |url-status=live }}</ref>


<ref name="vg74-1.jpg">{{cite web|title=Timetable (Effective 28 April 1974) |publisher=Airline Timetable Images |url=http://www.timetableimages.com/ttimages/vg2/vg74/vg74-1.jpg |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6BXljUqRf?url=http://www.timetableimages.com/ttimages/vg2/vg74/vg74-1.jpg |archivedate=20 October 2012 |accessdate=19 October 2012 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
<ref name="vg74-1.jpg">{{cite web |title=Timetable (Effective 28 April 1974) |publisher=Airline Timetable Images |url=http://www.timetableimages.com/ttimages/vg2/vg74/vg74-1.jpg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411000429/http://www.timetableimages.com/ttimages/vg2/vg74/vg74-1.jpg |archive-date=11 April 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=20 October 2012 }}</ref>


<ref name="vg74-2.jpg">{{cite web|title=Timetable (Effective 28 April 1974) |publisher=Airline Timetable Images |url=http://www.timetableimages.com/ttimages/vg2/vg74/vg74-2.jpg |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6BXm7kCeH?url=http://www.timetableimages.com/ttimages/vg2/vg74/vg74-2.jpg |archivedate=20 October 2012 |accessdate=19 October 2012 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>
<ref name="vg74-2.jpg">{{cite web|title=Timetable (Effective 28 April 1974) |publisher=Airline Timetable Images |url=http://www.timetableimages.com/ttimages/vg2/vg74/vg74-2.jpg |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618153850/http://www.timetableimages.com/ttimages/vg2/vg74/vg74-2.jpg |archivedate=18 June 2015 |accessdate=19 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>


|2}}
|2}}
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{{Navbox Airlines of Thailand}}
{{Navbox Airlines of Thailand}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2012}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}


[[Category:Defunct airlines of Thailand]]
[[Category:Defunct airlines of Thailand]]
[[Category:Airlines established in 1965]]
[[Category:Airlines established in 1965]]
[[Category:Airlines disestablished in 1976]]
[[Category:Airlines disestablished in 1976]]
[[Category:1965 establishments in Thailand]]
[[Category:1976 disestablishments in Thailand]]
[[Category:Thai companies established in 1965]]

Latest revision as of 00:53, 8 October 2024

Not to be confused with Siam Air.
Air Siam
IATA ICAO Call sign
VG[1] — AIR SIAM
Founded15 September 1965 (1965-09-15)
Commenced operations1970 (1970)
Ceased operations1976 (1976)
HubsDon Mueang International Airport
Key peoplePrince Varanand (founder)

Air Siam was an airline based in Thailand which operated from 1965 until 1976.

History

[edit]

The airline was established as Varan Air-Siam on 15 September 1965 by Prince Varanand, who was the major shareholder at the time.[2] Operations started in 1970 using Douglas DC-4 equipment, initially flying the Bangkok−Hong Kong route as a freighter service.[2] Following an agreement with Overseas National Airways for the wet-lease of a Douglas DC-8-63 and operational assistance from Trans World Airlines,[3][4] scheduled passenger services started in March 1971 (1971-03) serving Bangkok, Honolulu, Tokyo and Los Angeles.[2] All these services were suspended in January 1972 (1972-01); the Bangkok–Hong Kong sector was reactivated in May the same year with a leased BAC One-Eleven and extended to Tokyo seven months later, in December 1972 (1972-12), operated with a Boeing 707.[2]

In April 1974 (1974-04), the carrier placed an order for two Airbus A300s,[5] one A300B2 and one A300B4, taking an option for one more of the longer-range variant.[6] After taking delivery of the first of these aircraft on a lease basis from Airbus in October 1974 (1974-10), Air Siam became the second operator worldwide in deploying the type on scheduled services, after Air France.[7]: 590  Also in 1974, the company placed an order for a McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30, to be used on the Bangkok–Los Angeles route.[8] Rights for the routes the airline intended to deploy the A300s on were never granted, and the A300B2 was returned to the lessor just a year after it was incorporated into the fleet.[9]

Before Air Siam started flying long-haul services, Thailand's flag carrier Thai International was the country's single long-haul operator.[10] Already in 1974, the airline had accused both Thai International and the Thai Civil Aeronautics Board for obstructing their expansion plans.[11] Despite various different Thai governments considering the possibility of a merger, this never materialised.[10] A new government taking office in 1976 had a different vision and decided that Thailand should have just one long-haul carrier.[10]: 1564 

Destinations

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An Airbus A300 in Air Siam livery on short final to Kai Tak Airport in 1974.

Throughout its history, the airline served the following destinations:[12]

Fleet

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Following is a list of aircraft operated by Air Siam all through its history:[13]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Timetable (Effective 28 April 1974)". Airline Timetable Images. Archived from the original on 18 June 2015. Retrieved 19 October 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d
  3. ^ "Air Transport..." Flight International: 919. 24 June 1971. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 19 October 2012. Air Siam reports excellent load factors for its first two months' trans-Pacific operations to Los Angeles. Overall load factor on the twice-a-week passenger/freight service has been 50 per cent, much higher than budgeted, and increased frequency is being considered. Air Siam operates a DC-8-63 wet-leased from Overseas National.
  4. ^ "Air Transport..." Flight International: 444. 1 April 1971. Archived from the original on 20 October 2012. Retrieved 19 October 2012. Air Siam is reported to be ready after long delays to begin trans-Pacific services with a DC-8 wet-leased from ONA. TWA is rendering operational assistance to Air Siam.
  5. ^ "Asian Airbus". Flight International: 496. 25 April 1974. Archived from the original on 18 June 2015. Retrieved 19 October 2012.
  6. ^ "World airlines update". Flight International: 513. 17 October 1974. Archived from the original on 17 December 2013. Retrieved 30 November 2012. Air Siam has leased an A300B2 from Airbus Industrie pending the delivery of a new A300B4 next year. The aircraft will replace 707s on the Bangkok-Hong Kong route. Air Siam has also taken an option on a further A300B4 and ordered a DC-10-30 for use between Bangkok and Los Angeles. Additionally, the airline has extended its lease of a single 747 from Aer Lingus until May 1976.
  7. ^
  8. ^ "Siamese DC-10". Flight International: 291. 12 September 1974. Archived from the original on 18 June 2015. Retrieved 30 November 2012. Air Siam has ordered a single DC-10-30 for delivery later this year. It will be used on services between Bangkok and Los Angeles, which are due to start on November 25.
  9. ^ "Airliner market". Flight International: 648. 30 October 1975. Archived from the original on 18 June 2015. Retrieved 30 November 2012. Air Siam is returning its leased A300B2 to Airbus Industrie on the expiry of the lease today. The reason given was that the routes which the airline had in mind when it took on the aircraft have not been granted; the airline has had more success on its longer routes, for which the A300B2 lacks range. Air Siam intends to acquire a second McDonnell Douglas DC-10.
  10. ^ a b c
  11. ^ "Air Transport". Flight International. 27 June 1974. Archived from the original on 18 June 2015. Retrieved 19 October 2012. Air Siam has accused Thai International and the Thai Civil Aeronautics Board of obstructing its plans for expansion.
  12. ^ "Timetable (Effective 28 April 1974)". Airline Timetable Images. Archived from the original on 11 April 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2012.
  13. ^ "SubFleets for: Air Siam". 19 October 2012. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 19 October 2012.
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