Thai Airways mulls return of A380s as demand rises

Thai Airways International is “studying closely” plans to bring its stored Airbus A380s back into its fleet to cope with a capacity shortfall, as the airline sees a steady increase in travel demand. Airline commercial chief Korakot Chatasingha says the airline has not committed to a decision, but is looking at the “cost effectiveness” of such a move. “As you know, to bring them…and return them to service, costs a lot of money,” says Chatasingha, who was speaking to reporters during the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) Assembly of Presidents held in Bangkok. Thai previously operated a fleet of six A380s, but grounded the aircraft amid a collapse in travel demand during pandemic, which saw the airline file for business rehabilitation. Of the six superjumbos, two are owned by the Bangkok-based airline, with the other four examples on lease. The airline intends to return its four leased A380s to lessors, and thus will study returning the remaining two to service. The disclosure comes as Chatasingha says the airline will “review its fleet planning” in 2023 as part of capacity expansion efforts. At present, Thai and its sister unit Thai Smile Airways operate a fleet of 64 aircraft, including 20 A320s. Two A330s - previously put up on sale - are expected to join the fleet by January 2023, a move Chatasingha says is driven by the need to boost capacity. The airline has, as part of restructuring efforts, streamlined its fleet, retiring its Boeing 747s, A380s and older 777s and A330s. Thai also signed leases for two more A350s, which will arrive in 2023. Chatasingha, who says another two are on the cards, notes that the aircraft were not part of original fleet plans and were secured in anticipation of a ramp-up in capacity.<br/>