Thai Confirms Likely A380 Destinations

Thai Airways International will launch scheduled operations with the Airbus A380 during the second half of next year and a senior executive at the carrier confirmed to The HUB at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London last week, that Europe would be a key market for the aircraft. The airline has six A380s on order and expects to receive its first three in 2012 and the balance in 2013.

According to Krittaphon Chantalitanon, Vice President Product & Service Development, Thai Airways International, the airline is currently working on the soft launch of the aircraft and is currently finalising the internal configuration and product development. The aircraft will be configured with 505-seats in a three class configuration with 12 in first, 60 in Business and 435 in Economy.

“We are not in a position to confirm the type’s proposed entry into service,” said Krittaphon Chantalitanon. “However, our routes to major European destinations such as Frankfurt, London and Paris, as well as the Japanese and Australia markets are certainly likely to be among the first to see the A380.”