Thailand’s flag-carrier Thai Airways is reportedly looking to buy from 20 to 30 new aircraft by 2025, the time when the airline expects to recover from the COVID-19 crisis. The new purchase would strengthen its fleet and replace sold or decommissioned planes.
“The plan to buy new planes would be submitted to the Central Bankruptcy Court on March 2 along with THAI’s business rehabilitation plan, subject to approval by its creditors,” the Nation reported, citing insider sources.
According to Thai Aircraft Trading, the airline currently has listed 18 Boeing 777 family aircraft, 10 Boeing 747s, two Boeing 737-400s, nine Airbus A340s, two Airbus A380-800s, and one Airbus A300-600 aircraft in order to find potential buyers. If sold, the new batch of aircraft would replace the listed airplanes.
However, it would not be the first time Thai Airways suggested a similar aircraft purchase plan. According to media reports, in July 2018, Thai Airways was looking to buy 23 new aircraft worth approximately $3 billion. Additionally, Thai Airways also had plans to modernize its fleet by purchasing 30 aircraft in 2017.
In 2003 and 2004, Thai Airways purchased 10 Airbus A340-500 and A340-600. However, the purchase led the airline to financial troubles, as the Airbus A340 maintenance resulted in significant losses.
