Order: Thai Airways International's board has endorsed a plan to order eight long-range Airbus A340-500/600s. Directors last week approved the A340 selection over the competing Boeing 777-200LR/300ER. A definitive order requires the Thai cabinet approval, but if this comes soon deliveries may begin next year. Thai wants the A340-500s and -600s for its Chinese, European, Indian and US routes, on which it plans to replace its Boeing 747-400s. The 747s will be transferred to shorter routes in Asia. The proposed A340-500/600 order is in addition to Thai's plans to acquire seven used 747-400s from Star Alliance partner United Airlines.
Source: Flight International
