Aircraft

Thai Airways International has placed an order for eight Airbus A330-300s for delivery from next year, firming up plans which it disclosed earlier this year.

In February the Star Alliance carrier agreed to order eight more A330-300s at discounted prices in part as compensation for delays in the delivery of six Airbus A380s on order.

The airline said it would use the aircraft to replace six Airbus A300s and a pair of Boeing 747s.

During the Paris air show Airbus announced the firm order from Thai for the eight aircraft and deliveries are due to begin in 2008.

Thai already operates a dozen A330s powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4000s. No engine selection for the new aircraft has been disclosed.

In a related development, Thailand’s cabinet yesterday directed the national carrier to lease the eight aircraft rather than purchase them outright.

The carrier is expected as a result to seek out sale and lease-back agreements on the newly ordered twinjets.

Thai Airways president Apinan Sumanaseni says: “Thai is pleased to announce it has ordered eight more A330-300s, which will replace older aircraft in our fleet, as utilising this Airbus type has always proved profitable and efficient for the company.

"This order is in addition to our withstanding order of six A380-800 aircraft.

“The A330-300 was deemed most suitable towards operating the company’s regional routes in Asia, especially due to our continued increase in flight frequency and expanded route network.”

Last month the carrier said it was drawing up a new 10-year business plan that should include proposals for the replacement of dozens of older aircraft in its fleet. The plan will be presented to its board for consideration in August.

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