Thai Airways International has marked a milestone in its 66 years of commercial operation with the first female pilot on a commercial flight.

Pannathorn “Bam” Tangrungruangchai served as First Officer on flight TG564 from Bangkok to Hanoi on Monday, on an Airbus A320-200, registration HS-TXS.

“The achievement reflects Thai Airways’ commitment to promoting diversity, equality and opportunities for talented personnel to grow in aviation careers,” THAI Corporate Communications said.

Founded in 1960, the national carrier hired only male pilots for over six decades, while other Thai airlines have had women in the cockpit for years, including Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air.

“The role of the first female pilot of the airline is also expected to inspire a new generation, especially women who dream of careers in aviation, to step into the profession confidently,” THAI said.

Ms Pannathorn obtained her bachelor’s degree from the Aeronautical Engineering and Commercial Pilot programme at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang before completing commercial flight training at Asia Aviation Academy.

She also gained more than four years of experience as an Airbus A320 First Officer with another leading airline before joining THAI.

Source: Bangkok Post