Thai AirAsia Welcomes Its First Airbus A320 Neo

19-Nov-2016

Reducing Energy Consumption by 15% alongside Noise Pollution

Asserts Airline's Leadership in Innovation

Thai AirAsia holds a ceremony to welcome a new Airbus A320 neo aircraft to its fleet, the first of its kind in Thailand, with installation of CFM International LEAP-1A engines, the latest technology which reduces energy consumption by 15% and carbon dioxide emission by 5,000 tons a year per aircraft.

Mr. Preechaya Rasametanin, Executive Vice President of Thai AirAsia, said the airline is very proud to add the 50th member of its fleet, which is also Thailand's first Airbus A320 neo. The airplane is fitted with a CFM International LEAP-1A engine that reduces its energy consumption by 15% while increasing its seating capacity to 186 (current Airbus A320 can seat up to 180 passengers). The new model's special features will also translate to more savings for passengers.

"The technology featured on this aircraft not only reduces its energy consumption but also trim down greenhouse gas emissions by 5,000 tons per year for each aircraft. It also features lower level of noise in its cabin, allowing for a near-silent flight once it reaches cruising altitude. When our fleet acquires more A320 neo planes in the future, we will achieve very significant reduction in our energy consumption. This truly asserts our leadership in the area of aviation innovation," Mr. Preechaya explained.

Today (19 November 2016) at 9.00 a.m., Thai AirAsia holds a religious ceremony to anoint its new airplane. The ceremony is conducted by a noble monk and is attended by Mr. Preechaya Rasametanin, Executive Vice President of Thai AirAsia, and airline staff. On the same day, the Airbus A320 neo is put into charter service as part of the special activity titled "Taking to the Sky in the Footsteps of the Father: With Alternative Energy", flying a total of 75 children from Rajprachanukroh Schools in the provinces of Sakon Nakhon, Phitsanulok and Nan to visit Royally Initiated Alternative Energy projects at the Specialized R&D Center for Alternative Energy from Palm Oil and Oil Crops at the Faculty of Engineering, Prince of Songkla University.