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A Look At Asia-Pacific Airline Fleet Renewal

Adrian Schofield November 06, 2018
Credit: Aero Icarus

Thai Airways intends to phase out its last six passenger Boeing 747-400s, although it has extended their retirement schedule through 2022.

Credit: Masakatsu Ukon

Thailand’s government has asked Thai Airways to review its aircraft acquisition plans, which may lead the airline to delay the retirement of its older Boeing 777s.

Credit: Masakatsu Ukon

Thai Airways’ aircraft retirement plans are also being affected by problems with the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines on its Boeing 787s, which are causing some of the 787s to be grounded for unscheduled maintenance checks.

Credit: M Radzi Desa

Malaysia Airlines is planning ahead for the replacement of its Airbus A330s, and is seeking approval from its board to order widebody aircraft.

Credit: Boeing

Malaysia Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding with Boeing aimed at an order for 787-9s, but the nonbinding memorandum lapsed earlier this year, and the carrier is reassessing its widebody options.

Credit: Boeing

Korean Air is considering widebody aircraft orders, which will probably include additional 787s.

Credit: Jakkrit Prasertwit

Korean Air is discussing replacement plans for its older Boeing 777s; 777Xs and Airbus A350s are among the alternatives.

Credit: joepriesaviation.net

Japan Airlines aims to decide on replacements for its remaining Boeing 767s sometime after 2020.

Credit: Airbus

Japan Airlines has already ordered Airbus A350-900s to begin replacing its older 777s on domestic routes starting in 2019.

Many Asia-Pacific airlines are considering widebody aircraft orders as they look ahead to the replacement of older fleet types. Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Korean Air and Japan Airlines all face replacement decisions. Here's a look at some of the fleet changes being considered.

Adrian Schofield

Adrian is a senior air transport editor for Aviation Week, based in New Zealand. He covers commercial aviation in the Asia-Pacific region.

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