Thai Airways International has placed a firm order for eight additional A330-300s, taking another signifi cant step in its long-term Airbusfl eet development plan.

The new A330-300s will provide extra capacity on Thai Airways International’s extensive regional network from 2008 onwards.

Thai Airways International currently operates a fl eet of 12 A330-300s and 21 A300-600s on its regional network across Asia, as well as four A340-500s and fi ve A340-600s on the airline’s long haul network from Bangkok to destinations in Australia, Europe and North America. Non-stop “New York Express” and “LA Express” services have been operated by A340-500 since 2005.

Thai Airways International is also a customer for the A380, with the fi rst of six ordered aircraft scheduled for delivery in late 2010.