Thai Airways, the Kingdom’s national airline, has placed an order for 45 Boeing widebody aircraft with an option to buy as many as 80 planes from the American manufacturer as both tourism and aviation continue their robust post-pandemic recovery.

The airline also selected General Electric Aerospace to supply the aircraft engines, giving another boost in business to a U.S.-based company.

“The long-term aircraft acquisition plan is crucial for replacing gradually expiring leased and aging aircraft,” Thai Airways said in a public statement confirming the purchase, the value of which was not disclosed.

Among the aircraft included in the agreement will be an unspecified number of 787 Dreamliners. All the aircraft will arrive and be integrated into Thai Airway’s fleet between 2027 and 2033.

As with many major airlines, Thai Airways plunged into financial woes with the rise of regional budget airlines and the travel shutdowns during the global pandemic. The carrier was forced into financial restructuring but has returned to profitability and is expected to graduate from its rehabilitation program this year.

“Thai Airways International PCL’s current financial health and projected liquidity are adequate to support the procurement within the aforementioned timeframe. … This acquisition will not affect the ability to repay debts to the creditors,” the airline said.

In response to the market's rapid recovery and increasing travel demands, Thai Airways has bolstered its fleet by acquiring additional aircraft. In 2023, Thai Airways had a fleet of 70 aircraft and plans to increase that number to 79 by the end of this year. It plans to have 90 planes by the end of 2025.

Considering the number of aircraft scheduled for decommission and lease expiry, the acquisition of the 45 aircraft would help enable Thai Airways fleet to reach 96 aircraft in 2033. That is still less than the 100 aircraft it owned in 2013.

Photo courtesy of https://www.thaiairways.com/