ORIENT THAI AIRLINES ACQUIRES 12 AIRCRAFT

Orient Thai Airlines has acquired 12 new aircraft to replace its aging MD-80 and MD-90 fleet. The airline is in the final stages of negotiations with Sukhoi Civil Aircraft (SCAC) to acquire 12 SSJ100s, with delivery of the first two planned for November 2011. The airline is also looking to put options on a further 12. If the deal goes ahead, Orient Thai will be the first non-Russian carrier to order the aircraft type. The low cost airline plans to expand its service with a long-haul route to London.