Thai Airways to continue Los Angeles service

www.thaiair.com

Thai Airways says that it has been unable to find a buyer for its four super-long-range Airbus 340-500s, and for that reason will continue operating its non-stop service from Bangkok to Los Angeles.

The country’s flag carrier has not found anyone to buy, charter or lease the aircraft, which have the capability of flying for 16,000km without refuelling. It offered the jets for sale during the last half of 2008.

A slump in the global aviation industry caused by the economic downturn, and the limited demand for this particular aircraft, have meant that there were no opportunities for Thai Airways to phase the planes out of service. When purchased new, the planes cost US$230-240 million each.

According to the airline, the only sensible option left open was to continue using the aircraft on the Bangkok-Los Angeles route, rather than grounding the planes altogether.

The carrier had originally planned to discontinue the Los Angeles service in October of 2008, following its decision to terminate service to New York on July of last year. It postponed the move, however, until 31 January of this year, and then again until 28 March, due in part to the reduction in jet fuel prices making the Los Angeles route more commercially viable.

www.thaiair.com