Green light given for THAI's procurement of new aircraft fleet

BANGKOK, September 12 (TNA) - Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), running the national flag carrier, has been given the green light by the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) to procure a new fleet of 23 passenger planes as it earlier requested. Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong told journalists on Wednesday that he forwarded the THAI's proposed procurement plan of its new aircraft fleet to NESDB for further consideration and the government's think tank has already approved the plan. Apisak stated that the THAI's new procurement plan, worth no higher than 100 billion baht, covers the purchase of its new fleet of 23 passenger planes, as well as aircraft engines and accessories. According to the minister, the THAI's new aircraft procurement plan, which is part of its ongoing five year-investment program set during 2018-2022, is aimed to pave the way for the national airline to move ahead towards its goal of become one of the world's international premium airlines in the foreseeable future. "THAI has requested for the government's approval of its procurement of the new fleet of passenger planes, engines and accessories to reduce its maintenance costs of the existing aircraft fleet and to attract more international passengers who prefer new aircraft. NESDB has approved the THAI's procurement plan in principle, but asked that THAI resubmit the plan with more clear details for a final approval", the minister said. (TNA) "