THAI approves fleet renewal plan

The THAI board said it would go into the market for financial leases for seven airliners of up to 300 seats for regional services as well as negotiate 10-15 year operating leases for eight aircraft with a capacity of 350 seats for international services.  THAI added the acquisition plan included the delivery of five new A330s from 2010-2014 and six A380s from 2012 to 2013.

At the same time, the airline confirmed it had accepted the resignation of Wallop Bhukkanasat, and appointed Pravich Rattanapira as the new chairman of THAI’s executive board.

Wallop resigned after it was revealed he had used his position to transport hundreds of kilograms of extra luggage from Tokyo to Bangkok without paying the appropriate charges.