In an effort to rebuild consumer confidence, Thai AirAsia plans to begin using three new Airbus A320 aircraft as soon as they are delivered. The first is expected to arrive about the middle of this month, the second next month and the third in December.
The first of the A320s will be flying to Penang, Singapore, Hat Yai, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur and Chiang Mai.
Thai AirAsia has a total of 40 new A320s on order, to be delivered over the next five years. By 2012, the airline's entire fleet will comprise new aircraft, making it the youngest airline fleet in the region, with an average of five years' use.
The 40 new Airbus A320s will replace the airline's current Boeing 737-300s. On a single journey, an Airbus A320 can fly up to 5,700 kilometres. The aircraft has become popular because of its energy-efficiency and cost-effective design. A320s also have spacious luggage compartments and comfortable and wider seats, and they are claimed to reduce noise.
Thai AirAsia currently flies to 12 domestic and 10 international destinations. By the end of this year, it will add new services to Hong Kong and Guangzhou and another daily flight between Bangkok and Phuket.
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