Thai Airways International (THAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the purchase of seven more A330-300s. The aircraft will be delivered from the end of 2011 and will join an existing fleet of 20 A330-300s flying to destinations across the Asia-Pacific region.

The MOU was finalised today at the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK by Captain Montree Jumrieng, THAI Managing Director of Technical Department and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

“THAI has selected the A330-300 to meet our medium haul requirement. This will lead to improved efficiency as well as reducing the average age of our fleet. As our objective is to be a first choice airline, we would like to enhance our customer's experience with new aircraft and the best service available on board,” said Capt. Montree Jumrieng. “Our fleet strategy aims to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by matching aircraft size to market demand, while working on fleet simplification in the long-term.”

"We are extremely pleased to sign this MOU with one of our longest-standing customers and most experienced A330 operators," said John Leahy. "THAI's latest commitment once again underscores the A330's status as the most efficient mid-size widebody aircraft in-service today and the right aircraft right now for airlines across the globe."

The modern and efficient A330 is one of the most widely used widebody aircraft in service today. To date, Airbus has won more than 1,000 firm orders for the various versions of the aircraft. More than 700 A330s have already been delivered and the aircraft is currently flying with over 80 operators worldwide.