Orient Thai, One-Two-Go plan revamp
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Orient Thai Airlines and its budget unit One-Two-Go Airlines are planning a major fleet revamp as part of a change in the business model, a report said.
The Bangkok Post reported that Orient Thai will replace its ageing aircraft with a new generation of jetliners expected to cost a total of US$2.5 billion. The carrier group hopes to acquire 20 brand-new jetliners, including eight Boeing 787-9s and 12 Boeing 737-900s, for delivery starting in the next four years, the report said.
Until now the airline has relied entirely on used, fuel-thirsty aircraft made about 25 years ago, one of which crashed at Phuket Airport in September, leaving 89 dead and 41 injured.
Founder and chief executive Udom Tantiprasongchai was quoted saying that the fleet revamp is part of plans to move away from the budget model into a full-service airline concept.
However, One-Two-Go would likely maintain its no-frills carrier status, he was quoted saying.
The Boeing 787-9s with 380 seats would support Orient Thai’s strategy to become a long-haul carrier, the report said. The smaller 737-900 ER wuld be used for its budget carrier routes.
Orient Thai will also fly from Bangkok to main air hubs in Europe and Scandinavia. The report also said that the 52-year-old founder plans to retire from active work in the next five years, and possibly allow his two daughters to succeed him.
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