summary
- Thai Airways has put all of its Airbus A380s up for sale “as is” after a three-year grounding in Bangkok and U-Tapao.
- The company’s A380s have not completed C-checks since before the pandemic, but are still considered flyable without permanent landing orders.
- Thai Airways is focusing on a new, more streamlined jet fleet, such as the Airbus A350, with plans to expand to 114 by 2027.
The days of owning an Airbus A380 appear to be over, despite a brief glimmer of hope that THAI’s quad-jets will return to service after a surge in demand late last year. As reported by Aerotime Hub, the Thai flag carrier has opened bidding for the Superjumbo until Sept. 12.
Sale
listed in “Just like that, anywhere” At this rate, you’ll get a THAI A380 for a low deposit price of just $50,000. With his HS-TUA, the oldest jet, being born less than 11 years ago, Thai Airways’ A380s are relatively young and underutilized, according to ch-aviation. The average flight time is about 31,000 hours.
Since the early days of the pandemic, all six jets have remained grounded at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) or Utapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport (UTP), and interested airlines are advised to resume operations. A lot of effort and investment has been forced to reopen. A giant in the sky. Buyers have limited options as they either have to relocate the aircraft or dismantle it locally.
Photo: Jay Rimsilichai/Shutterstock
Even though none of the aircraft have completed C-checks since before the pandemic, THAI’s A380s are known to remain airworthy, and the Airworthiness Directive and Service Bulletin have made the aircraft permanently No grounding.
Upon invitation of the airline, the airline reserves the right to refuse bids from parties sanctioned by the United States and Thailand or other general governments. “Unqualified Suitor”
The company had previously tried to avoid selling its two youngest A380s, the HS-TUE and HS-TUF, as part of its 2020 and 2021 restructuring and bankruptcy plans, but initial interest surveys suggested a two-week purchase. failed to attract buyers in time. , Questions remain as to whether Thai Airways will be able to sell all six planes. The invitation from Thai Airways has the following outline, and it looks like this sale is under the same banner as the last one.
“Bidders are well aware that this sale is being made pursuant to a bankruptcy court order. Only upon receipt of such authorization shall the sale be considered final and considered.”
future fleet
Thai Airways’ A380 isn’t the only widebody plane facing this problem. Initially, the company’s iconic Boeing 747-400 was expected to have a retirement date of his 2024, but it went on sale in 2021 and met a similar fate to its European counterparts. Thai Airways has 10 jumbo jets alongside one old classic Boeing 737-400, leaving only seven of his. Stored in Bangkok and U-Tapao.
Photo: Thiago B. Trevisan/Shutterstock
After recovering from bankruptcy, the airline will exit protection next year and re-emerge as a more streamlined and efficient airline, led by new jets from Boeing and Airbus, with a fleet less than half of its pre-pandemic peak. expected to reduce. August 2023.
But the company is already poised to exceed that number by 2027, leveraging a potential order for 30-plus widebody aircraft and lease agreements that will grow to about 114 over the next four years. Orders have yet to materialize since reports in June, but the fleet integration with Thai Smile is gradually being completed, and an update could come soon.
Have you ever flown on a Thai Airways Airbus A380? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments.
source: aero time hub, channel air, tiger