Thai Airways May Deploy 787 to Manila
Thai Airways International is expected to deploy its new Boeing 787-8 aircraft on its route to Manila as the carrier accepts delivery of eight aircraft in the months ahead.
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| Copyright Photo: Angelo Agcamaran/PPSG |
The Thai flag carrier is currently undergoing a dramatic fleet renewal program to retire its older aircraft including A300-600, B747-400, and some of its A330, A340, and B777 fleet between 2014 and 2017. The airline has already placed an order for 12 A350 and 8 B787 aircraft that are expected to be deployed on routes within the Asia Pacific region.
The first Boeing 787-8 is scheduled to arrive in June. The aircraft will be configured with 264 seats including 24 in Business Class and 240 in Economy Class. The Business Class cabin will be configured with Thai's regional business class product with six-abreast seating, while the Economy cabin will be configured with nine-abreast seating.
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| Image Source: Thai Airways International |
Thai Airways has scheduled its first Boeing 787 for deployment to Perth, Australia in July. When a second 787 arrives in July, Tokyo Haneda will become the carrier's second 787 destination in August. An additional two 787-8 aircraft are expected to follow in the fourth quarter of 2014, with another two arriving in 2015 According to Acting President Chokchai Panyayong, Thai Airways plans to use its new 787-8 fleet on regional routes to replace the A330-300. The carrier presently operates a fleet of ten A330-300 aircraft with ages ranging between 15 and 20 years old.
Thai Airways currently flies between Bangkok and Manila using a combination of A330 and B777 aircraft. It is believed that the Philippines and China are expected to be the initial markets to see the Thai Airways 787. With the first two aircraft already scheduled for deployment to Australia and Japan, the Philippines is likely to see the Thai Airways 787 either in the fourth quarter of 2014 or some time in 2015.
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| Image Source: Thai Airways International |
All eight Thai 787 Dreamliner aircraft are being leased on a 12 year basis from the International Lease Finance Corporation in the United States. Thai's Boeing 787 fleet will feature the new 'Thai Contemporary Concept' design currently being rolled out on the carrier's Boeing 777 fleet.
I never trust TG though, as they are know to change equipments on a whim! You may think you're flying on a nice new Dreamliner, but would be shocked to see their horrible old A300 (not even A330)!
ReplyDeleteNo they don't. Look on the aircraft! They have a passenger emergency guide for each specific aircraft. They also put it on the side of the aircraft so look! And even some booking sites tell you in advance.
DeleteAny way what difference does it make if you have a nice flight.
Morale of the lesson: actually bother to look.