Thai Airways International becomes new operator of the A350 XWB

Thai Airways International (THAI) has become the eighth operator of the A350 XWB, following the delivery of the first of 12 aircraft on August 30, set to join the carrier’s fleet. The aircraft delivered is being operated on lease from US-based CIT. THAI has configured its A350-900 with a premium two class layout with a total of 321 seats, comprising 32 THAI’s Royal Silk Class, convertible to fully lie-flat beds, and 289 in the main cabin. After an initial period flying on regional services between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the aircraft will be deployed on long haul flights soon thereafter, starting with the Bangkok-Melbourne route. Altogether THAI has acquired 12 Airbus A350 XWBs. Four of these are being purchased directly from Airbus, with the other eight aircraft being acquired under lease agreements.