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HS-TLA, the former Airbus A340-500 of Thai Airways,
took off from Milan-Malpensa International Airport
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Thai Airways, the national airline
of Thailand was one of the costumers of Airbus A340 series at the time. It
received the first Airbus A340-500 and Airbus A340-600 in 2005. It had six
Airbus A340-600 and four Airbus A340-500 before the airline retired both types
in 2015 because both types no longer efficient since the Airbus A340-500 and
Airbus A340-600 have two engines. Two engines mean more expensive maintenance
cost and more fuel needed than the two-engined Airbus A330-300. Thai Airways
also faced a financial problem at the time, so the airline needs to cut
operational cost and sell some aircraft, including Airbus A340. After being
retired, the Airbus A340s was sold by Thai Airways. But, the airline still had
no buyer for its Airbus A340s until now.
Now, Thai Airways has 17 Airbus
A330-300 as the replacement of Airbus A340s. The Airbus A330-300 has the same
capacity as the Airbus A340s. But, it has two engines instead four engines. So,
many airlines (including Thai Airways) decided to replace its Airbus A340s with
more efficient aircraft but with same capacity with Airbus A340 like Airbus
A330 and Airbus A350 XWB. For many years, the high fuel price becomes a big
problem for many airlines, as it reduces airlines' profits. So, many airlines
need fuel-efficient aircraft to reduce outlay. Efficient aircraft also helps to reduce air pollution in the atmosphere.
