Boeing

Thai Airways International took delivery last week of the first of five airplanes to be delivered to Thailand's flag carrier this month.

"The Boeing Company has never delivered five jetliners to an Asian carrier in a single month," stated Larry Dickenson, Vice President - Asia/Pacific for Boeing Commercial Airplane Group. "We are confident that the addition of these aircraft will help stimulate Thailand's tourism industry and Thailand's long-term economic development."

Capt. Chusak Bhachaiyud, Thai Airways International Executive Vice President, Technical Department, said, "These jetliners will help our airline build on our optimistic outlook for the growth of air travel in Asia. These jetliners will support the Thai government's newly declared program titled, "Amazing Thailand 2000," which is aimed at further stimulating our tourism industry."

The four 737-400s and one 777-200 jetliner to be delivered this month bring the airline's 737 fleet to 11 and its 777-200s to eight. The airline will also take delivery of six 777-300s from 1998 through the year 2000.

Thai Airways International is a major carrier in the Asia-Pacific region, and is aggressively outlining Thailand's fast-growing aviation market. The airline flies to 51 major international destinations, including the United States, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as 20 domestic destinations.