THAI gains green light for new aircraft
February 10, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
Thai Airways International’s board of directors approved a proposal to move forward the 10-year fleet acquisition plan.
The board agreed to invest Bt35.5 billion during the Year 2010 to 2014 to acquire new aircraft that were originally scheduled for a later business period, 2012 to 2013.
THAI will spend around Bt31.3 billion to buy seven aircraft of around 300 seats to operate regionall, using a lease-financing mechanism, while eight long-range aircraft of around 350 seats will be acquired to operate intercontinental routes over a lease period of 10 to 15 years.
THAI gets Bt922 million to purchase spare engines for regional jets and Bt3.3 billion for spare engines on aircraft used for inter-continental operations.
The airline had earlier confirmed it would order five A330-300s to be delivered this year and six A380 to be delivered between 2012 and 2013.
The board has also appointed Prawit Rattanapian to replace Wallop Bhukkanasut, who resigned following an excess baggage scandal. Mr Prawit is a former Science and Technology minister during the Thaksin administration.
