Thai Airways International (THAI) has opted not to postpone the delivery of a fleet of 12 A350s, the latest generation of airliner from Airbus, as considered earlier.
The beleaguered flag carrier seems more optimistic about its improving financial status and business outlook, the results of a painstaking rehabilitation, which obviates the need for a delay in taking delivery of the aircraft, said senior THAI executives.
That means THAI is committed to receive the first two twin-engine A350s over the next two months or so and five each next year and in 2018, all under the originally agreed upon time frames.
It remains unclear whether a contractual binding with the European aeroplane maker played a part in THAI's move to stick to the delivery schedule.
The State Enterprises Policy Commission advocated THAI delay taking delivery of 14 new wide-body aircraft over the next three years to relieve some financial burdens weighing on the company's turnaround plan.
The loss-ridden carrier has been undergoing a rehabilitation that involves removing routes, retiring old aircraft, cutting staff and reducing debt.
Aside from the 12 A350s, which carry a price tag of US$308 million each, the other two aircraft THAI is to receive over the next two years are Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
It is unclear whether THAI is able to negotiate a delay with Boeing for the delivery of the B787s, of which the airline already has six in the fleet. However, the two B787s are scheduled to be built next year, according to Boeing's production plan.
Confirming its commitment for the A350 deliveries are THAI's plans to use the aircraft on its Bangkok-Melbourne route, starting on July 1 this year.
Airbus said it was readying the delivery of THAI's first A350, which recently rolled out of its paint shop in Toulouse.
The aircraft is moving to the next stages of production, including the installation of engines and cabin furnishings, before starting ground and flight tests.
The second A350 is due for delivery weeks after the July 1 service introduction, said THAI executives who requested anonymity.
The airline operates two daily flights on the Bangkok-Melbourne route, which is currently served by B777-300ERs and B777-200s.
THAI's deployment of the subsequent A350s remains unknown, though the aircraft was designed for long-range operation.
With its latest order for 20 A350s, Airbus has recorded 803 firm orders for the aircraft from 43 customers worldwide. Thus far 20 A350s have been delivered to five customers.