The Cabinet of Thailand recently approved a budget of $276 million for the next four years to replace the existing A340-500 used to transport members of the royal family and dignitaries of Thai government. The aircraft is expected to be delivered in 2026.
The funds are to be allocated toward procuring new aircraft and components and training personnel. The Royal Thai Air Force, which operates the current aircraft has prepared an operational plan which includes a budget estimate, corruption risk assessment, and list of procurement needs.
The plane will be operated by the 602 Squadron/Royal Flight Wihok, based at Bangkok's Don Mueang International Airport. The squadron is also responsible for other VIP aircraft, including an Airbus A319, two Airbus A320s, four Boeing 737s, and three Sukhoi SSJ100-95LR Superjets.
The plan for a new aircraft took shape when the issue of high maintenance cost was highlighted as Airbus has already suspended the production of A340s in 2012. The A340-500 used by the Thai government is one of the last of its kind which is still in operation.
Thai Airways International operated about 10 A340s in the early 2000s, the aircraft were in operation for almost a decade. Just last year, the airline sold five of the aircraft to an undisclosed buyer for $9.6 million. Since then, the airline has leased more fuel-efficient two A350s and due to enter commercial operations soon.