Fleet Upgrades at Thai Airways

Fleet Upgrades at Thai Airways

Thai Airways Looks To Upgrade Their Fleet - Adding 37 New Aircraft By 2017 

Thailand's national carrier has a stellar reputation in the aviation industry, as one of the founding members of the Star Alliance Group. The airline is world renowned for it's award winning cabin staff, winning multiple awards for service in recent years. Thai Airways is majority owned by the government of Thailand, with a more than 50% share in the company. Over the years, Thai Airways has been one of the world's most successful and profitable airlines, showing significant profits year after year. 

By upgrading their fleet, Thai Airways is making a bold statement

Thai Airways looks to build on it's history of success, with it's sights on becoming one of the world's biggest players in global aviation. The company has announced plans to add 37 new aircraft by 2017, at a total cost of approximately £9.1 billion. The new aircraft are expected to reduce the average age of the fleet from the current average of almost 12 years, to just above 8 years average age per aircraft. In addition to reducing the average age of the aircraft in service, the move is also expected to increase fuel efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. 

The plan is to add 11 new narrow-bodied aircraft for regional and domestic routes as well as 26 wide-bodied aircraft for intercontinental flights. The order includes 6 Airbus A380-800, with the first of which expected to be in service on the route between London to Bangkok by 2013. Thai Airways is also said to have made arrangements with Boeing to lease 8 of the 787 Dreamliners that have made headlines for delayed deliveries lately. Last week Boeing finally delivered the first order of Dreamliners to ANA (All Nippon Airways) at a ceremony at their Everett, Washington production plant. 

All Nippon Airways has announced that the 787 will make it's first ever passenger flight later this month from Narita to Hong Kong. The new jet is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 20%, as it is the world's first ever jet made of composite materials. Thai Airways along with the rest of the aviation industry will be keeping a close eye on how the new jet performs in the coming months, as expectations are high for the future of the Dreamliner. 

By upgrading their fleet, Thai Airways is making a bold statement, and clearly demonstrating their commitment to upholding it's reputation as a world class airline, as well as taking steps to become a larger player in the aviation industry. This is welcome news for Thailand, as tourism is an important part of the local economy and the country's national carrier is considered to be a symbol of the success of the country. The success of Thai Airways is a source of national pride amongst the people of Thailand.