On 28 October 2018, THAI Smile Airways, a subsidiary airline of THAI Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), launched direct flights between Bangkok and Hong Kong, as well as Phuket and Hong Kong. THAI Smile has appointed HAECO Hong Kong as its MRO partner to provide full line services, including technical assistance, certification and aircraft release, ramp equipment support and cabin cleaning.

THAI Smile has a fleet of 20 Airbus A330-200s, operating to 10 destinations in Thailand and 20 other cities across Asia. The airline commenced its Hong Kong service with one flight daily from each of Bangkok and Phuket, and aims to gradually increase the number of flights and destinations connecting directly with Hong Kong.