Thai Airways takes delivery of first Airbus A380

Tuesday, 2 October 2012 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Thai Airways International has taken delivery of its first A380, becoming the ninth airline to operate the world’s largest commercial aircraft.

THAI has ordered six A380s, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines. Although the Airbus A380 is capable of holding more than 800 passengers, Thai Airways has specified a premium three class layout for its fleet, seating a total of 507 passengers. All classes feature new cabin designs, with 12 private suites in First Class, 60 fully flat sleeper seats in Royal Silk Class and 435 seats in Economy.

All seats are equipped with the latest on-demand inflight entertainment systems, communication outlets and individual power supply. “With the A380 THAI will elevate its Royal Orchid Service to a new level,” said Montree Jumrieng, Executive Vice President Technical, THAI.

“In every class we are offering a new dimension in passenger appeal, from redesigned seating to the latest entertainment systems. These features, combined with the aircraft’s quiet and spacious cabin, will truly make the THAI A380 the smoothest way to fly.” THAI will inaugurate commercial service with the A380 in early October on the Bangkok-Hong Kong and Bangkok-Singapore routes.As more aircraft are delivered, the airline will begin service to Frankfurt at the end of the year, followed by Tokyo and Paris early in 2013. The A380 is capable of flying 8,500 nautical miles or 15,700 kilometres non-stop. From Bangkok this enables non-stop service with a full payload to any destination in Europe or one-stop service to anywhere in the US.