Thai Airways International has become the eighth operator of the A350 XWB, following the delivery today of the first of 12 aircraft set to join the carrier’s fleet. The aircraft delivered today is being operated on lease from US-based CIT. It will be followed by a second aircraft this year and the remainder in 2017.

Thai has configured its A350-900 with a premium two-class layout with a total of 321 seats. Royal Silk Class seats are arranged four abreast in a 1-2-1 configuration for a total of 32 seats, with a width of 21 inches which can be adjusted to full-lie flat 180 degrees.  Economy Class seats are arranged nine abreast in a 3-3-3 configuration for a total of 289 seats, with a 32-inch pitch and 18-inch width. 

After an initial period flying on regional services between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the aircraft will be deployed on long-haul flights soon thereafter, starting with the Bangkok-Melbourne route.

Altogether, Thai is scheduled to receive 12 Airbus A350 XWBs. Four of these are being purchased directly from Airbus, with the other eight aircraft being acquired under lease agreements.

To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 810 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 43 customers worldwide.