THAI places major Airbus order
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Thai Airways International (THAI) has signed a major new aircraft purchase agreement with Airbus. The national carrier placed a firm order of four A350-900s and five A320 aircraft, becoming a new customer for both aircraft types. In addition, THAI plans to lease eight more A350-900s and six more A320s from third party companies. The new A350 XWB (extra wide-body) aircraft, which will be able to seat between 270 and 350 passengers depending on cabin layout, will operate on long-haul routes to Europe, while the narrow-body A320s will serve domestic and regional routes.
“The A350 XWB and A320 will play a significant role in ensuring that THAI operates one of the most modern and efficient fleets in the region moving forwards. They will also help THAI strengthen its competitiveness, increase its market share and ensure its future as a strong and sustainable airline,” said the airline’s President, Piyasvasti Amranand. “With these fuel-efficient aircraft we will be able to offer passengers the highest levels of comfort on both long haul and shorter regional routes while benefiting from the lowest operating costs and cleaner environmental performance.”
“This order from THAI reflects the unbeatable operating economics offered by the Airbus product range across the various market sectors,” said John Leahy, Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer – Customers. “Whether for short regional services or long intercontinental routes, Airbus has the right products with the lowest operating costs to meet every airline requirement.”
THAI currently operates a fleet of 95 aircraft, including 43 Airbus jets – 10 A340s, 20 A330s and 13 A300-600s. In addition to the aircraft ordered today, the airline is also set to become a new operator of the A380 in the second half of 2012.
The A350 XWB, which is scheduled to enter service in 2013, has already racked up 570 firm orders from 36 customers. As the name suggests, the aircraft’s fuselage is wider than the A330 or A340, and seats nine abreast in the economy class cabin.
THAI’s latest orders with Airbus are worth almost US$1.5 billion at list prices – US$1.07 billion for the four A350s and US$425 million for the five A320s.
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