THAI Airways International (THAI) intends to invest 118.6 billion baht (US$3.9 billion) on 37 new aircraft. Scheduled for delivery between 2012 and 2017, the planes are part of THAI’s plans to upgrade its aging fleet, now operating at an average age of 11.7 years.
THAI’s president, Piyasvasti Amranand, said at a press conference yesterday that the aircraft acquisition, approved last week by the airline’s board, was clear of improper procedures that had plagued the national carrier in the past.
Of the total investment, about 49.5 billion baht has been allocated for the purchase of six Boeing B777-300ERs and five Airbus A320s, to be delivered between 2014 and 2015, and four A350s, to be delivered between 2016 and 2017.
The remaining 69.1 billion baht will be spent on a 12-year operating lease of 22 aircraft – six A320s to be delivered between 2012 and 2013, eight B787s to be delivered between 2014 and 2017, and eight A350s to be delivered between 2016 and 2017.
In a further development, the Thai flag carrier is planning to acquire 38 more aircraft through a budget of 229 billion baht, for delivery between 2018 and 2022.
Meanwhile, THAI is in the process of retrofitting 12 existing B747-400s, scheduled for completion between this year and 2013. The first upgraded aircraft returned to serve on the Bangkok-Frankfurt route at the end of last month, complete with new seats and an improved in-flight entertainment system.
