THAI's Sky-High Deal: 45 Dreamliners to Revamp Fleet

[webfact]

File photo courtesy of Airline Ratings

 

Thai Airways International (THAI) is on a mission to revolutionise its fleet, announcing a massive acquisition of 45 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

 

This strategic move aims to rejuvenate its aircraft numbers and strengthen ties with the United States. The airline's Chief Executive, Chai Eamsiri, emphasised that this is pivotal for the airline's growth and aligns with Thailand’s trade negotiations with the US.

 

The ambitious expansion sees THAI's fleet growing from 85 aircraft to 103 by 2026, reaching 116 by 2027. By 2033, the airline plans to operate a fleet of 150 aircraft, bolstering its global presence and operational capability.

 

Chai highlighted the significance of this deal, remarking, "This agreement with Boeing supports Thailand's effort to balance its trade relations with the US."

 

 

 

Signed during the Singapore Airshow, this lucrative deal not only modernises THAI's fleet but also aligns with the Thai government's strategy to reduce the US trade deficit.

 

The agreement also includes the latest GEnx engines for these Dreamliners, ensuring state-of-the-art air travel. Deliveries are set to commence in mid-2027, with the procurement extending over the next decade.

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Airways

 

Additionally, the airline plans to further acquire 35 aircraft through leasing and hire-purchase arrangements to maintain agility in fleet management. This approach allows THAI to adapt its operations to market demands, enhancing competitiveness and operational efficiency.

 

In sum, Thai Airways' strategic fleet expansion signifies a boost in its market position and operational prowess, setting the stage for greater success in the global aviation landscape. By aligning with the US, the airline not only strengthens economic ties but also poises itself as a formidable player on the international airways.

 

Based on a story by The Thaiger

 

-- 2025-04-09

 

 

[edwinchester]

Should have gone for the A 350, larger, more passengers and greater range.

[Tropicalevo]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The ambitious expansion sees THAI's fleet growing from 85 aircraft to 103 by 2026, reaching 116 by 2027. By 2033, the airline plans to operate a fleet of 150 aircraft, bolstering its global presence and operational capability.

 

Might be a shortage of qualified Thai pilots soon.

Maybe let a few foreign pilots fly their wet-leased planes on domestic routes to free up some Thai pilots? 

[blaze master]

Perfect. Now all the generals can fly for free in style.

[Ralf001]

3 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

Might be a shortage of qualified Thai pilots soon.

Maybe let a few foreign pilots fly their wet-leased planes on domestic routes to free up some Thai pilots? 

 

Thailand has 3000+ commercial pilots in Thailand so should have enough.

 

But then last year the Thai goverment did approve the hiring of foreign pilots on a tempory basis to fly domestic routes.

[msbkk]

3 hours ago, edwinchester said:

Should have gone for the A 350, larger, more passengers and greater range.

I personally found the seats on Dreamliners very narrow with unsufficient leg room.

[Ralf001]

4 minutes ago, msbkk said:

I personally found the seats on Dreamliners very narrow with unsufficient leg room.

 

Have flown on Thai's 787-8 a few times... seats down the back don't look that narrrow.

 

A quick googles tells me they are 18" wide.

[mogandave]

I think the Dreamliner seats are great.

 

 

 

[Rampant Rabbit]

and everyone got their money back from their lost covid seats right?

[soi3eddie]

44 minutes ago, mogandave said:

I think the Dreamliner seats are great.

 

 I flew on Thai 787-8 from Bangkok to London in August 2022.  6 seats across in "business" class 2-2-2 - terrible! Economy was very cramped and narrow aisles with 3-3-3 seating. Hope you can enjoy that if they do same on the new orders.

 

[nauseus]

4 hours ago, edwinchester said:

Should have gone for the A 350, larger, more passengers and greater range.

 

tariffs is the in word

[Moonlover]

5 hours ago, edwinchester said:

Should have gone for the A 350, larger, more passengers and greater range.

And how does that balance with?

 

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Signed during the Singapore Airshow, this lucrative deal not only modernises THAI's fleet but also aligns with the Thai government's strategy to reduce the US trade deficit.

 

 

[Flyguy330]

What the HELL? Buying AMERICAN??? NOW??? Are they effing nuts?

[LosLobo]

I flew business Dreamliner with Singapore --everyone should try it at least once in their life.

[edwinchester]

1 hour ago, Moonlover said:

And how does that balance with?

 

 

Have to keep Trump happy at the cost of buying the inferior aircraft I guess.

[CallumWK]

1 hour ago, Moonlover said:

7 hours ago, edwinchester said:

Should have gone for the A 350, larger, more passengers and greater range.

And how does that balance with?

 

So in your opinion they should choose an inferior airplane for the tariffs?

 

Are you American?

[Moonlover]

7 hours ago, edwinchester said:

Should have gone for the A 350, larger, more passengers and greater range.

 

23 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

So in your opinion they should choose an inferior airplane for the tariffs?

 

Are you American?

 

You'd have to put that question to Thai Airways. There is obviously politics involved. I wasn't proffering an opinion, I was merely quoting the article.

 

And no, I'm not American.

[mran66]

4 hours ago, Rampant Rabbit said:

and everyone got their money back from their lost covid seats right?

 

Seemingly not. Instead people got a claim for a small share of a dreamliner they financed instead. 

[Mike_Hunt]

8 hours ago, edwinchester said:

Should have gone for the A 350, larger, more passengers and greater range.

Both the A350 and the 787 are lovely to fly in.   

[scorecard]

2 hours ago, LosLobo said:

I flew business Dreamliner with Singapore --everyone should try it at least once in their life.

 

Agree with that, as always SG shines.

[JustinT]

4 hours ago, soi3eddie said:

 

 I flew on Thai 787-8 from Bangkok to London in August 2022.  6 seats across in "business" class 2-2-2 - terrible! Economy was very cramped and narrow aisles with 3-3-3 seating. Hope you can enjoy that if they do same on the new orders.

 

The seating depends on the airline.  There is a lot of variation, especially in business class.  Thai has the worst business class.  Singapore's 787 is like heaven.  1-2-1, complete privacy and the best food.

[JustinT]

4 hours ago, Rampant Rabbit said:

and everyone got their money back from their lost covid seats right?

Nope, Thai never gave refunds for cancelled flights.  I lost my money.  I don't know why anyone still flys this scam airline.

[Liverpool Lou]

9 hours ago, edwinchester said:

Should have gone for the A 350, larger, more passengers and greater range.

Huh?  How would have strengthened economic ties with the US?

[Albert Ziegler]

How can the Thai government order Boeing airplanes after the Trump administration issued the additional tax on Thailand exports. Such a purchase order has to be put on hold until the tax issue is solved.

[josephbloggs]

6 hours ago, soi3eddie said:

 

 I flew on Thai 787-8 from Bangkok to London in August 2022.  6 seats across in "business" class 2-2-2 - terrible! Economy was very cramped and narrow aisles with 3-3-3 seating. Hope you can enjoy that if they do same on the new orders.

 

The new orders are 1-2-1, some with doors, and also premium economy.

The new A321 narrow bodies will also have lie flat in business.

This is basically why Thai needs to modernise its fleet.

[scorecard]

4 hours ago, JustinT said:

The seating depends on the airline.  There is a lot of variation, especially in business class.  Thai has the worst business class.  Singapore's 787 is like heaven.  1-2-1, complete privacy and the best food.

From just above "...Thai has the worst business..."

 

Example: Evening flight business class from Bkk to Jakarta, after dinner all finished my 18 yr old Thai son (flying on a fully paid most expensive category of ticket) politely asked the flying waitress for a glass of Coca Cola. Her response without stopping to take his request, she just kept walking "Go and ask in Economy." 

 

I and my son had flown several times before in business class on TG and SG and Lufthansa, I can't imagine such a comment from an SG hostess or from any other airline. 

[wittleus]

15 hours ago, soi3eddie said:

 

 I flew on Thai 787-8 from Bangkok to London in August 2022.  6 seats across in "business" class 2-2-2 - terrible! Economy was very cramped and narrow aisles with 3-3-3 seating. Hope you can enjoy that if they do same on the new orders.

 

That's a major Thai Air mistake. I have flown business class on 787 on about five different airlines and all of them had a 1-2-1 business class configuration-- 2-2-2 is the money grubbing, cheap configuration, but obviously up to the airline.

[portisaacozzy]

14 hours ago, LosLobo said:

I flew business Dreamliner with Singapore --everyone should try it at least once in their life.

travelled Singapore Australia to uk over 20 years ag0 plus, economy like buisness class in other airlines ,buisness class like first class in other airlines. travelled uk to Australia 2 years ago,econamy same as buisness class in other airlines,buisness class like first class in other airlines.

[Ulyssesamui]

That should help towards ironing out the $45 Billion trade deficit with the US, well done, President Trump.

[hotchilli]

20 hours ago, edwinchester said:

Should have gone for the A 350, larger, more passengers and greater range.

Yeah, but European owned Airbus haven't put tariffs on Thailand, this is a strategic purchase to help trade talks.