Thai Lion Air broadens range with new aircraft

Thai Lion Air (TLA) is roaring to a lofty altitude with the introduction of medium- and long-haul routes using a new generation of jetliners. <br/>The Thai-registered budget airline affiliated with Indonesia's Lion Group has sought official approval to use three Airbus A330-300 wide-body aircraft to enable a range as far as Europe from TLA's base at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport. TLA will also incorporate the Boeing 737 Max, one of the world's newest commercial aircraft, by early next year, becoming the operator of one of the youngest and most modern fleets in Thailand. The entry of Airbus A330-300s and the 737 Max, which will require Thai authorities' approval, will usher in a new era of growth for TLA, which since December 2013 has operateddomestic and short-haul flights to neighbouring countries using a fleet of new 737-800 and 737-900ER models. The plan is geared towards the highly anticipated lifting of the red flag on Thailand's aviation safety by the ICAO by year-end. <br/>