Why are Thai Airways leasing 3 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft?

Thai Airways is expanding its fleet by three this month despite going through an ongoing debt restructuring process. The airline is in the process of selling 45 unused jets, yet they are leasing three Boeing 777-300ER aircraft this month. Two 777-300ERs, adorned with Thai Airways paint jobs, landed at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport on April 5 and another is expected to arrive later this month.

Why would a financially troubled airline, technically bankrupt, lease three new expensive aircraft when it’s selling off ‘excess’ fleet, apparently no longer needed?

Apparently, the aircraft will first be deployed on the airline’s Bangkok – London route and will later serve other long-haul flights. Thai Airways will pay the lessor a monthly rate that will further be negotiated to meet the company’s financial rehabilitation process. Costs will be calculated based on how many…