Thai Airways International is closing in on orders for an estimated 16 new widebodies to replace ageing aircraft and provide additional capacity.
A plan to acquire five Airbus A330-300s, eight Airbus A340-500/600s and three Boeing 747-400s has been put together, say Thailand's transport minister, Wan Mohamad Nor Matha, and Thai vice-chairman and permanent transport secretary Srisook Chandrangsu. Some of the carrier's older Airbus A300s are expected to be replaced by A330s.
Srisook's long-term planning committee was due to decide on the proposal on 19 August before submitting it for government approval. The firming up of the orders is reported to be expected in October.
The airline needs more aircraft as an ambitious long-term expansion plan to add around 20 destinations over five years is due for approval by September.
Thai continues to express an intention to simplify its fleet structure, and to that end plans to withdraw its Boeing MD-11s.
Source: Flight International
