Thai Airways has formally cancelled plans to operate their new Airbus A380’s between Bangkok to London Heathrow. The aircraft was due to be deployed on the run from the 1st December to operate one rotation of the two Thai fly.
The delay has been put down to the fixes that are being applied wing ribs to Thai’s new aircraft – the faults dating to 2012. As aircraft reach the maximum flyable hours, they will be grounded for 2 1/2 months for modifications
Thai has chosen to deploy its A380 fleet in the mean time between Bangkok and Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Paris and Tokyo Narita as it cycles its aircraft in and out of the shop. Two more A380’s are on order, but these will be used to cover the fleet whilst its repaired.
Thai will use a Boeing 747-400 and an Airbus A340-600 instead during as Thai heads into the busy Christmas season.
As well as the Gulf carriers who seem to be eating most airlines business for Breakfast, there are also direct flights operated by British Airways as EVA Air – now a partner in Star Alliance between London and Bangkok.
Whilst some see London flights as the end of the world, there are other connections – which to some present better value and better business opportunities. For now, London Heathrow will have to wait for another Airbus A380 operator to come rolling into its terminal gates.
Yet another reason to transfer at ABL.
Anywhere But London 🙂
This appears to contradict the press release from Thai Airways a few days ago which simply stated that the launch has been delayed until late 2014 rather than being completely cancelled.
http://www.thaiairways.co.uk/news/2013/07/a380-delay-for-thai-airways-london-bangkok-fleet/
Even their local Bangkok Post newpaper repeated this article yesterday.
Sir Stamford
I’ve read that the HKG turn is also being pulled.