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Thai Airways Explores Major Order for 90 Boeing and Airbus Jets Amid Fleet Renewal Plans
(CTN News) – According to Bloomberg News, Thai Airways is considering placing an order with U.S. planemaker Boeing (NYSE:BA) and its rival Airbus (EPA:AIR) for up to 90 planes, most of which are widebody jets.
According to Bloomberg, the airline is planning to acquire up to 80 twin-aisle planes through purchase rights, options, and firm orders, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter. According to the report, a dozen smaller narrowbody planes are also being considered for lease.
The number of planes operated by Thai Airways has dropped from 103 before the COVID-19 pandemic to 65 now, and according to Bloomberg, the airline has not yet decided on the deal’s specifics.
To refresh its fleet as demand for travel returns, the firm is considering adding approximately 30 new widebody planes and more A321neos to its Thai Smile business, according to Chief Executive Chai Eamsiri, who announced earlier this year.
As part of its debt restructuring under court supervision, the Thai flag carrier has had to drastically change its operations, including laying off many employees.
According to Bloomberg, neither Boeing nor Airbus would comment on the matter, and the latter has already stated that it will not discuss customer discussions until they are announced. Similarly, Thai Airways did not want to speak with the news agency.
What Happened To Thai Airways’ Airbus A340s?
The 787 and A350 planes flown by Thai Airways have Rolls-Royce Trent family engines, which have given the airline trouble with reliability for the past six years.
The airline may be interested in purchasing more A350s or A330neos. However, these planes can only be powered by Rolls-Royce engines. Therefore, the airline and engine manufacturer must collaborate for future orders for these specific models.
Curiously, though, the airline’s chief executive officer allegedly blasted the engine manufacturer for declining to negotiate better rates on an engine order.
