Thai Airways into 37-aircraft deal, to receive eight 787s & 12 A350s

Thai Airways has said that it will be purchasing 37 aircrafts at an estimated US$3.89 billion. As part of its 37-aircraft purchase deal, the airline will be acquiring 12 Airbus A350s and 8 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

The planned acquisition has already been approved by the Thai Airways International board. After the approval, the airline said that it will proceed immediately to buy the aircrafts.

Thai Airways in a statement said that it is planning to purchase 15 aircrafts. However, the remaining 22 aircrafts will be acquired on operating leases. The airline further said that the six Boeing 777-300ERs it will be purchasing are slated for delivery in 2014 and 2015. The four Airbus A350-900s being purchased by the airline will be delivered in 2016 and 2017, while the five Airbus A320-200s to be purchased are to be delivered in 2014 and 2015.

The airline also announced its plans to acquire two 787-9s and six 787-8s from US lessor ILFC on operating leases. The airline said that the six 787-8s are due for delivery in 2014 and 2015, whereas the 787-9s are slated for delivery in 2017.

The Thai Airways further said that Aviation Lease and Finance will be giving on lease six A350-900s, which will be delivered in 2017. The CIT Aerospace International will be delivering two A350-900s aircrafts in 2016 being leased to the airline. Besides, the RBS Aerospace International will be leasing six A320-200s to the Thai Airways, which are slated for delivery in 2012 and 2013.

A Thai Airways spokesperson said that the operating leases will have a term of 12 year each.

The Thai Airways in its statement said that it will be able to build a modern and efficient fleet with the acquisition of new aircrafts. Besides, the new aircrafts will also help in saving fuel and cost maintenance as they are made from non-corrosive and lightweight composite materials.