News
THAI has decided against changing its A350 order
May 6th 2016
Thai Airways International (THAI) has decided to adhere to the original contract terms with Airbus that could see the carrier take delivery of the first of twelve on-order A350-900s as early as this month, the Bangkok Post has reported, citing internal THAI sources. Read More » As such, THAI will receive two A350s this year, and five each in 2017 and 2018.
Thailand’s State Enterprises Policy Commission had suggested the flag carrier defer delivery of the twelve A350s and two B787-9s to assist the turnaround of the carrier. THAI chief, Charamporn Jotikasthira, said the carrier did not “need these planes” anymore.
THAI has been one of the worst performing carriers in the Asia-Pacific in the last five years, having suffered at the hands of the Middle East’s onslaught into the region and a loss of market share to regional low-cost carriers. It has shed thousands of jobs, eliminated several international destinations and reduced frequency on its regional network as part of its turnaround strategy.
THAI plans to launch A350 passenger operations on the Bangkok-Melbourne route from July 1. It is unclear if it was able to negotiate deferrals with Boeing for the two Dreamliners.
