Thailand’s Bangkok Airways has placed firm orders for six Airbus A350s, after evaluating the type against the Boeing 787.
The aircraft will be placed into new long-haul services between Thailand and Europe in 2012, says Airbus in a statement.
Bangkok Airways currently operates a fleet of 17 aircraft, a mixture of ATR turboprops, Airbus A320s and Boeing 717s. The carrier announced this summer that it would acquire widebody aircraft, and that it expected to make a decision on an order for either A350s or 787s by the end of the year.
“Having taken into account all competitive and economic factors, we decided to choose the Airbus A350 widebody aircraft for our future expansion into the long-haul market. Commonality with our Airbus A320 fleet was one of the key drivers in our decision-making process,” says Bangkok Airways chairman and CEO Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth.
“We are also extremely impressed by the innovative cabin features, which will support our long term strategy to feed passengers with outstanding high comfort from Europe into our new home at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok and fly them to unique world-famous, cultural and holiday destinations in Thailand and the region.”
The carrier has selected a two-class interior with 258 seats, including 36 lie-flat beds in first class. Each A350 will be equipped with individual inflight entertainment.
MARY KIRBY / PHILADELPHIA
Source: Flight International
