Thai AirAsia (TAA) heralds a new era of fleet modernisation with its first Airbus 320neo coming into service.
The delivery of the advanced version of the basic single-aisle A320, known as the A320ceo, marks the largest low-cost carrier's acquisition of the model for the future.
Executive vice-president Preechaya Rasametanin told the Bangkok Post TAA's future aircraft over the next several years will be brand-new A320neos.
Over the next five years, TAA plans to add 5-6 A320neos to its fleet each year as the airline wants to tap the prime advantage the new version offers -- fuel efficiency.
With CFM International LEAP-1A engines, the A320neo consumes 15% less fuel than the A320ceo and slashes carbon dioxide emissions by 5,000 tonnes a year per aircraft.
The A320neo also offers six more seats than the A320ceo, which can seat 180 passengers, as well as carry an additional two tonnes of cargo.
With the first A320neo starting commercial operation on Nov 2 on routes from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Phuket, TAA became the first operator of the aircraft in Thailand and one of the few in Southeast Asia.
TAA is due to take delivery of its second A320neo at the end of next month, bringing the airline's total A320 fleet to 51.
TAA is the second carrier in the AirAsia Group to operate an A320neo.
Malaysia AirAsia (MAA) became the first A320neo operator in September this year when it commenced operating its first version of this aircraft.
MAA is due to take delivery of two more A320neos before the end of this year, according to industry sources.
AirAsia Group is Airbus' biggest customer for the A320 family with a total of 575 aircraft ordered.
Of these, 404 are A320neos, following the airline's latest firm order for 100 A321neo aircraft placed at the recent Farnborough Airshow.
The A320neo is the world's best-selling family and claimed to be the most fuel efficient single-aisle aircraft.
With some 4,800 orders received from 87 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo family has captured a 60% share of the market, according to Airbus.