Thai Air to splash $3.9bn on Airbus, Boeing aircraft
13 Jun 2011
Bangkok: Thai Airways announced Monday that it would either buy or lease 23 Airbus and 14 Boeing airplanes for about $3.9 billion to modernise its ageing fleet. While it will purchase 15 of these aircraft, it will acquire the remaining 22 on lease.
The estimated cost is based on the aircraft and rental fee value as of June 2011.
"The company will be able to develop a modern, efficient and safety fleet that will meet the airline industry standard.'' Thai said in the filing with the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
The carrier said the deals, which have been approved by its board of directors, would enable it to rank amongst the top three leading airlines in Asia in terms of quality and service efficiency.
The airline will buy six Boeing 777-300ER planes, four Airbus 350-900s and five A320-200s for a total of about $1.6 billion, for delivery between 2014 and 2017.
It will also lease 22 aircraft, including eight Boeing 787 Dreamliners, to be delivered between 2012 and 2017, a company statement said.