The struggling Thai Airways will see significant changes to its fleet composition, as older and less efficient aircraft will be permanently retired, including the Airbus A380. The Thailand-based carrier is looking for buyers for two of its double-deckers, as it issued another request for proposals for its aircraft.
The two Airbus A380 aircraft in question, registered as HS-TUE and HS-TUF, were part of a fleet of six aircraft of the type. Airbus delivered HS-TUE and HS-TUF in October and November 2013, respectively. The other four Super Jumbos were shipped off from Toulouse, France, between September 2012 and March 2013.
All six aircraft have been stored since late-March 2020 when the current pandemic essentially halted all international travel.
Thai Airways issued the request for an indication of interest and an indicative proposal for the two A380s on March 11, 2021. The two aircraft, which have 3,691 and 3,598 flight cycles, respectively, are currently located in Rayong Pattaya U-Tapao International Airport (UTP) in Thailand, a couple of hours drive away from Bangkok. The two jumbos will be sold in an “as is” state. However, the actual sale will be subject to “Thai obtaining all of its internal approvals and Thai’s court-approved rehabilitation plan,” read the letter.
Previously, the airline also issued a request for proposals for 10 of its Boeing 747-400 aircraft, as Thai Airways is currently undergoing a restructuring process. Part of the process will be to cut the number of aircraft types the airline will operate in the future, including the retirement of its Airbus A380, A330 and Boeing 747-400 aircraft.