Airbus trumps Boeing

Airbus scored a victory in the low-cost-carrier market in Asia with an order for two A320s from Bangkok Airways, Thailand’s largest privately owned airline. The order replaces an earlier commitment for 737- 800s to serve new routes to China. The change of heart was influenced by the rapid emergence of other LCCs in Thailand, with Bangkok Airways management fearing they would have to wait too long for the 737-800s. The A320s will be delivered in Aug. The aircraft, which will be configured for 163 seats in one class, will flag a change of image away from a tourist carrier to a “boutique airline,” officials said. They will be used to open up new services to Hangzhou, Nanjing and Guangzhou. Bangkok Airways already operates flights to Guilin, Xian and Jinghong along with 13 destinations in Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. It has a fleet of four 717s and 13 ATR 72s