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New board sticking with Airbus orders
BOONSONG KOSITCHOTETHANA
THAI plans to buy 20 new Airbus A321-200 jets, which are more fuel efficient. |
Thai Airways International's plan to acquire 20 Airbus A321-200 regional jetliners, worth about $1 billion, has survived scrutiny by the national carrier's new board following a review of a major fleet modernisation programme. The board chaired by Chaisawasd Kittipornpaiboon, the permanent secretary for the Transport Ministry, resolved on Wednesday to stick to the decision made on Jan 18 by the previous board to proceed with the acquisition.
Specifically, the aboard acknowledged the general terms of the acquisition agreement for the single-aisle twin-engine airplanes as worked out by the airline's management and the European planemaker Airbus.
THAI would now seek endorsement from the transport minister and final approval from the cabinet, airline executives said yesterday.
The twenty A321-200s are part of an overall plan to acquire 65 new aircraft. The plan has come under scrutiny as the airline responds to slowing air travel demand, triggered by the slowdown in the world economy and skyrocketing fuel prices.
The airline has already placed orders for six Airbus A380 superjumbos and is considering adding the Boeing 787 ''dreamliner'' and/or the Airbus A350 XWB to its future fleet.
The board's blessing on Wednesday underscores the airline's need for a new generation of aircraft for short- to medium-haul flights to replace its ageing and fuel-thirsty Boeing 737-400s and the larger Airbus A300-600s, which are to be retired.
The acquisition also reflects the importance it places on its short-haul and regional services, which are expected to play a bigger role in THAI's market strategy due to the high growth potential.
The A321-200s are scheduled to enter THAI'S fleet between 2012 and 2017.
The aircraft acquisition arrangement was not disclosed but THAI senior executives said it was most likely to follow the airline's traditional practice, by means of financial lease.
It is not known how much the A321-200s would cost THAI, but aviation industry sources said the value of a new A321-200 for delivery last year was in the range of $53 million.
THAI plans to configure the A321-200, which can cover a maximum distance of 5,550 km, with 179 seats, about 20 in business class and the rest in economy.
As of last month, worldwide orders for A321-200s were 722, with 456 delivered and 455 in operation. The A321's first commercial flight took place in December 1996.
THAI shares closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 17.50 baht, up 30 satang, in trade worth 16.5 million baht.
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