Thai Airways International Public Company Limited took delivery of 1000th Airbus A330-300 long-range aircraft, a third aircraft accepted in 2009. Air Chief Marshal Narongsak Sangapong, THAI’s acting President, a representative of THAI’s Board Member, presided over the event held in Toulouse, France.<\/p>\n
Air Chief Marshal Narongsak Sangapong, THAI’s acting President said that the celebration of the acceptance of the 1000th aircraft from Airbus marked a grand success of A330-300 production. THAI is delighted to be the proud owner of this 1000th aircraft and we look forward to welcoming 3 more A330-300 aircraft due this year (2009). He also expressed his thanks for a marvelous event held by Airbus on this occasion.<\/p>\n
Mr. Fabrice Br\u0e49gier, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, said: “When the A330\/A340 Family first entered service in 1993 it set a new standard in the mid-size wide body market. Today, the product line remains the benchmark for in-service aircraft in this category, offering airlines a proven range of models optimized for medium, long and very long haul operations.” He said further that “We are extremely proud that the 1000th aircraft from this product is being delivered in the colours of THAI, which is one of Airbus’ longest standing customers and currently operates a fleet including both the A330 and the A340.”<\/p>\n
THAI’s Airbus 330-300 aircraft powered by Rolls Royce Trent 772B Engines was registered as HS-TEP, with the royally-bestowed name of “SRIANOCHA”. The aircraft accommodates 299 seats including 36 Royal Silk Class seats, with 56-inch pitch in 2-2-2 configurations, and 263 Economy Class seats, with 32-inch pitch in 2-4-2 configurations.<\/p>\n
The inflight entertainment system on the Airbus 330-300 aircrafts features personal touch screen with on-demand system in every seat, with 15-inch screen in Royal Silk Class and 9-inch in Economy Class. The inflight entertainment system in this aircraft offers 40 entertaining movies, 30 hours of brand documentaries, 600 songs from 80 albums and 30 single and multiplayer games for passengers.<\/p>\n
THAI has taken further major steps in its long-term fleet expansion plan. A total of eight A330-300 aircrafts will be added to THAI’s fleet in 2010.<\/p>\n
Six A330-300 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in 2009 as follows:<\/p>\n
First aircraft was delivered in April 2009, registered as HS-TEN, with the royally-bestowed name of “SUCHADA”<\/p>\n
Second aircraft was delivered in May 2009, registered as HS-TEO, with the royally-bestowed name of “CHUTAMAT”<\/p>\n
Third aircraft was delivered in July 2009, registered as HS-TEP, with the royally-bestowed name of “SRIANOCHA”<\/p>\n
Fourth aircraft is scheduled to take delivery in August 2009, registered as HS-TEQ, with the royally-bestowed name of “Si Ayutthaya”<\/p>\n
Fifth aircraft is scheduled to take delivery in October 2009, registered as HS-TER, with the royally-bestowed name of “U Thong”<\/p>\n
Sixth aircraft is scheduled to take delivery in December 2009, registered as HS-TES, with the royally-bestowed name of “Sukhothai”<\/p>\n
Two A330-300 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in 2010 as follows:<\/p>\n
First aircraft is scheduled to take delivery in January 2010 and<\/p>\n
Second aircraft is scheduled to take delivery in February 2010<\/p>\n
Both aircraft will also be given a royally-bestowed name.<\/p>\n
THAI currently has a total of 89 aircraft in its fleet, comprising of 45 Boeing, 44 Airbus.<\/p>\n
The Perth route will be the first Australian city to see the new A330 aircraft operating on a regular schedule to Bangkok and Phuket.<\/p>\n
The new aircraft will mean all Australian routes now offer an upgraded Royal Silk Business Class and Economy Class cabins featuring personal entertainment systems for all passengers.<\/p>\n