Thai Aiways commences talks with Airbus for more A380s and A350s

Thai Airways stated it has commenced talks with Airbus on the possibility of acquiring up to 30 A350XWB aircraft and six additional A380s, to replace ageing A340, B777-200ERs and B777-300ERs used on long-haul sectors (Bangkok Post, 16-Aug-2010). The aircraft would cost USD9.12 billion at list prices. According to a draft plan presented to THAI's Board, the airline expects to have a fleet of 102 aircraft by 2026 with an average age of 7.5 years. The carrier operates a 88 aircraft fleet with an average age of 11.5 years. Airbus Southeast Asia Sales Director, Jean-Jacques Boissin, stated the earliest the manufacturer could delivery the first A350 to Thai Airways would be 2017.