THAI Smile to become first A320 commercial operator to use Airbus’ Flight Hour Services

Securing the highest service level and operations
THAI Smile, a subsidiary of THAI Airways International Public Company Limited will become the first Airbus A320 commercial operator to benefit from Airbus’ Flight Hour Services Tailored Support Package (FHS-TSP) following a contract signed between THAI Airways International and Airbus.

The contract, which will run for 15 years, provides an extensive scope of A320 line replaceable units (LRUs) and spare parts availability, LRUs repairs, logistics services, tools availability, APU and nacelle services. An on-site Airbus team will assist in daily spares management ensuring THAI Smile’s aircraft technical dispatch.

This latest selection by THAI Airways International re-affirms its confidence in Airbus’ Flight Hour Services, less than a year after signing an FHS-TSP contract for its A380s. It also marks an important step in Airbus’ FHS strategy to enter in the single-aisle market. Airbus’ FHS now covers more than 100 aircraft with operators of A320, A330, A340 and A380 fleets.

Captain Montree Jumrieng, Executive Vice President of THAI Airways International Technical Department said: “With the experience and professional Flight Hour Services support already being demonstrated by Airbus on our A380 fleet, we are confident that this new Airbus FHS-TSP contract will likewise ensure that our A320 operations will run as smooth as silk.”

Didier Lux, EVP Customer Services at Airbus said: “We are delighted to see a major customer such as THAI Airways International extending the support of Airbus FHS to a new aircraft type in its fleet. This is a real endorsement which confirms operators’ satisfaction and value in having Airbus’ FHS-TSP support.”

THAI Smile is a new service by THAI Airways International with a fleet of all new Airbus A320 aircraft. The carrier operates on routes within Thailand and to selected international destinations, providing connections with THAI Airways International and Star Alliance member airlines. THAI Smile's fleet will consist of 11 brand new Airbus A320-200 aircraft in an all-economy class configuration of 174 seats.

THAI Airways International Public Company Limited is a major airline in Asia and one of Airbus’ longest standing customers. The carrier already operates more than 50 Airbus aircraft across all Airbus’ families, including three A380s.

Airbus is the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer of passenger airliners, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Airbus has design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain, and subsidiaries in the US, China, Japan and in the Middle East. In addition, it provides an international network of customer support centres, training centres and spares’ stores. Airbus is an EADS company.