THAI president Apinan Sumanaseni said the NESDB intended to take at least two weeks to collect more information about the US$1.2-billion (Bt41.47 billion) purchase. The agency is focusing on THAI's financial plans as they apply to operating strategies.

"Once the NESDB agrees with both the financial plan and the aircraft purchasing plan, the transport minister will be able to pass the plans to the Cabinet for approval," Apinan said. "I hope that THAI and the NESDB will be able to finalise the revised financial plan within two weeks."

Earlier, THAI's board of directors approved the purchase of the aircraft from France-based maker Airbus.

However, Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen said yesterday he had not proposed the aircraft purchase plan to the Cabinet for approval.

He said the plan remained incomplete and needed more details before it could be approved, despite the airline's board having confirmed that the new aircraft are needed.

He pointed out that although THAI's board has authorised the purchase, he was not close to anyone in the company, nor was he familiar with aircraft sales representatives or brokers.

"Therefore, the reasons for buying these aircraft must be spelled out, so the plan can be explained to the public," Theera said.

THAI also said its corporate plan for the years 2008 to 2010 will be based on the theme "The first-choice carrier with touches of Thai".

The airline will stress customer service and the creation of maximum satisfaction with emphasis on its "Magic Service Ring" strategy.

This aims to create a competitive edge by ensuring customers have good experiences and develop positive feelings at all service levels, before, during and after travel. It will concentrate on reservations, check-in, inflight service, call centre, lounge, boarding, arrival and baggage.

The airline's board is expecting management to propose a 10-year corporate plan to its August meeting that will cover the years 2008-2017.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation