BRENDAN SOBIE/SINGAPORE
Thai Airways International is to implement a new cargo strategy that could include the creation a dedicated freight arm. The airline is seeking to lease two Airbus A300-600Fs and two Boeing 747 freighters and will also convert some of its passenger aircraft to cargo.
According to a source at the airline, the carrier’s cargo department is considering launching a dedicated freighter operation at the end of 2006 with two A300-600s and two 747-200s or 747-400s.
The source says that Thai is evaluating both dry- and wet-lease options for starting freighter operations, but “after two years we plan to convert our passenger aircraft”, starting with two A300-600s and two 747-400s.
Another source says the carrier’s planning department has recently begun a separate review of its 21-strong A300-600 fleet. The source says that Thai is considering replacing eight of its oldest A300-600s in two to four years and may convert them into freighters.
The source says that Thai has already received briefings on the new Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, but that the carrier will also consider acquiring additional A330s or 777s. The review has just begun and will take about another six months to complete.
An initial order for eight aircraft could be placed in 2007 with further orders to follow as the remaining 13 A300-600s are phased out. Thai uses its A300-600s for domestic and intra-Asia routes, but the source says Thai is interested in acquiring a replacement that has the flexibility to also operate some long-haul routes.
Thai now has A300s, A330s, A340s, 747s and 777s in its widebody passenger fleet plus A380s on order but currently does not operate any freighters.
It has long considered establishing an all-cargo operation and the new freighter study was launched earlier this year at the urging of the government, which is trying to promote the new Suvarnabhumi International airport into a regional cargo hub. Suvaranabhumi is due to open late this year, or roughly the same time that Thai will launch freighter operations, pending board approval.
Sources say Thai’s first priority is to launch long-haul freighter services, preferably with 747-400Fs, but it may be forced to lease 747-200Fs if no -400s are available. The A300-600Fs would be used for regional cargo services. Industry sources say Thai also has inquired with conversion companies about converting some of its 737-400s.
Source: Flight International
