New VIP aircraft for RTAF

The Thai government has approved a USD 244 million budget for acquiring a new large transport aircraft to replace the current Kong Thap Akat Thai (RTAF, Royal Thai Air Force) Airbus A340-541.

The new aircraft, to be used by VIPs, including royals, prime minister and ministers, is planned to be delivered in 2026. According to the information, this budget includes procurement of the aircraft, spare components and training. The budget will be spend over a period of four years, starting in 2024. The type of aircraft has not been revealed yet.

The Airbus A340-541, serial L19-1/59 and code 60204/HS-TYV (c/n 698), was bought in 2015 from Thai Airways International and is operated by 602 Squadron/Royal Flight Wihok at Bangkok/Don Muang. This squadron has a variety of VIP aircraft in its inventory, including the smaller Airbus A319 and A320 (2x) and three Sukhoi SSJ100-95LR Superjets.

Photo by Dohwan Kim (Scramble Archive)