Bangkok (2010-02-09)

THAI Airways International (THAI) has received the green light for a 35.5 billion baht (US$1 billion) acquisition of 15 new aircraft over the next four years.

A total of 31.25 billion baht is earmarked for the financial lease of seven aircraft with a capacity of 300 seats to serve regional routes. The airline will lease for 10 to 15 years eight aircraft with a capacity of 350 seats for longhaul routes.

The 15 new aircraft will be on top of the airline’s latest acquisition of five Airbus A330-300s to come into operation this year and six A380s to be delivered between 2012 and 2013.

The acquisition of new aircraft is part of the Thai flag carrier’s plan to upgrade its fleet over the next 10 years.