Thai Airways confirms order for 7 A330s

Airbus said Thai Airways signed a firm order for seven A330-300s, confirming a commitment announced at last month's Farnborough Airshow (ATW Daily News, July 22). Deliveries will begin at the end of 2011. Engine selection was not announced but Thai's 20 in service A330-300s are powered by a mix of Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney engines.

President Piyasvasti Amranand said, “Our fleet strategy aims to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by matching aircraft size to market demand, while working on fleet simplification in the long-term. The popular A330 remains an important part of that strategy.”

Separately, Thai's board of directors approved the company's acquisition of additional term loans from the following banks: Thanachart Bank (THB2 billion [$62.8 million] over seven years); TMB Bank (THB2 billion over seven years as well as a THB1 billion five-year Revolving Credit Line); and Tisco Bank (THB1.5 billion over seven years and a THB1.5 billion, seven-year Revolving Credit Line.)