Thai approves lease of 15 widebodies

The Thai Airways board announced plans to lease 15 widebody aircraft over the next five years, requiring an investment of THB35.48 billion ($1.07 billion).

Thai currently has five A330-300s and six A380s on order. The carrier said it expects to begin taking delivery of the A330s this year and the A380s in 2012 or 2013. The 15 new aircraft will comprise seven seating some 300 passengers and eight seating at least 350, which will be operated on leases of 10-15 years. The airline currently operates 91 aircraft and expects to have 102 within 15 years. The board also approved THB4.23 billion for five spare engines and parts.

President Piyasvasti Amranand told The Nation that TG intends to reduce nonfuel expenses in 2010 by THB12 billion. He said last month that it expects to report profits for both 2009 and 2010 (ATWOnline, Jan. 15).