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

[riparian]

55 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

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

…ordered at the 2024 (biennial) Singapore Airshow.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Airshow

 

[Presnock]

On 4/9/2025 at 9:48 AM, webfact said:

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

 

 

Well if they had chosen the F16's then thailand would have been ahead , even with jus this deal it seems that Thailand would be close to making the gap pretty small in their trade with the US. IMO

[harryviking]

22 hours ago, edwinchester said:

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

Thailand does not do things that are best for it. Like with the Chinese, it is just "back licking".....

[Tubulat]

19 hours ago, Rampant Rabbit said:

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

Quickly answer: NO, i not.

[Tubulat]

14 hours ago, JustinT said:

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

You are absolutely right, and I have sworn off Thai too, but there are circumstances when you have no other option, for instance direct flight or airports where you don't want to land.

[Sydebolle]

Good luck that I am retired as I am lost for understanding and comprehension. Thai Airways clocked an accrued 300 billion Thai Baht loss, has retired aircraft parked literally all over the country and now goes shopping for 45 new toys.

This airline, once a pristine sparkling star on Asian aviation sky, went downhill after 1992 once Chatichai Bunya-ananta and his team of professional airline chiefs were forced into mandatory retirement (with 60 years of age). The vacancies were filled with absolutely incompetent clowns from the air force and the ministry of finance who all had two things in common. Not the slightest clue of how to run a (professional and very profitable) airline and extremely skilled in daylight robbery and stealing anything which was not screwed, nailed or bolted. 

Thai Airways became the country biggest 7/11 store with the sole exception that "customers" helped themselves from all those horns of plenty and left the store as there was no cashier to tally the financials. Likewise the arrogance of ground and cabin crew grew in line with the decline of the airline. During/after Covid 19 Thai Airways had tens of thousands of staff grounded, the planes were parked all over the aerodromes of the Kingdom compiling massive costs/losses while Thai Vietjet managed to operate a reliable schedule and finished the year with a black Zero. 

My refund application from a few years ago over a cancelled long haul flight remains unattended to this day. I wrote this off and consequently keep accruing 100,000+ miles a year on any other airline but Thai Airways. 

Lets see, where they want to go with the new fleet of 45 dreamliners; wondering also, if it is the same purchase crew which managed to cream off millions of pounds like in the first stint with the Rolls-Royce engines 😉 

Mysterious are the ways of the East - indeed! 

[alanrchase]

3 hours ago, Ulyssesamui said:

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

The article claims the deal was signed during the Singapore Airshow. The last show was in Feb 2024 and the next is in Feb 2026. Seems this deal had nothing to do with Trump's tariffs. The Thais seem to be playing Trump.

[tomazbodner]

I'm no fan of Boeing aircraft or company, but Dreamliner is my favourite bird from them, and TG already has a handful of them which I've flown several times. They do look a little dated from the outside but still wonderful to fly.

 

So it makes sense for the airline to increase the fleet of these, regardless of politics.

[Wiggy]

On 4/9/2025 at 9:48 AM, webfact said:

This agreement with Boeing supports Thailand's effort to balance its trade relations with the US."

Rubbish. This order was placed before tariffs were even mentioned by the Orange one. 

[Purdey]

I have to wonder whether the price will rise over the next few years. At least 12 countries make parts for Boeing, and all of them have to pay Trumptax.

[KhunBENQ]

 

2 hours ago, Purdey said:

At least 12 countries make parts for Boeing, and all of them have to pay Trumptax.

I remember a headline saying that Boeing would be hit harder by these tax plans than Airbus.

That they decided for Boeing maybe related to the long order queue at Airbus, more than 200 orders now.

Boeing discounts to the max?

[JustinT]

6 hours ago, alanrchase said:

The last show was in Feb 2024 and the next is in Feb 2026. Seems this deal had nothing to do with Trump's tariffs. The Thais seem to be playing Trump.

Typical Thai scam, but it will probably work. 

[Negita43]

Nothing to do with tariffs eh?

[rough diamond]

1 hour ago, Negita43 said:

Nothing to do with tariffs eh?

Not if it was agreed a year ago!!

[jayboy]

8 hours ago, Sydebolle said:

Good luck that I am retired as I am lost for understanding and comprehension. Thai Airways clocked an accrued 300 billion Thai Baht loss, has retired aircraft parked literally all over the country and now goes shopping for 45 new toys.

 

Excellent post.Thai Airways is now out of rehabilitation but as far as i can see, the many management and financial structural issues have not been properly addressed.

[Negita43]

15 minutes ago, rough diamond said:

Not if it was agreed a year ago!!

why is the post dated 1 day ago?

[JustinT]

7 minutes ago, Negita43 said:

27 minutes ago, rough diamond said:

Not if it was agreed a year ago!!

why is the post dated 1 day ago?

 

They reannounced it apparently due to the recent tariffs.  It appears they will use this for negotiating and possibly threaten to cancel it if they can't get a reasonable deal on tariffs.

[rough diamond]

42 minutes ago, Negita43 said:

why is the post dated 1 day ago?

Read the previous post which say it was over one year ago!

[Chalong circle]

Whatever. Bring back A 380 !

[josephbloggs]

3 hours ago, Negita43 said:

Nothing to do with tariffs eh?

So you think an airline can work out hundreds of million of dollars of finances, have board and shareholder meetings, and negotiate with Boeing to buy 45 aircraft one day after Trump man announces tariffs? Wow, they move fast!

[newnative]

On 4/9/2025 at 3:26 PM, msbkk said:

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

     Totally agree.  I try to avoid the 787 if I possibly can.  Its shortcomings were highlighted several years ago when my spouse and I took 2 flights back-to-back.  The first flight was a 787 from BKK to Japan.  Awful.  The seat was, indeed, very narrow and it was difficult eating with so little arm room.  Changed planes in Japan and the second flight was on a 777.  What a difference.  Spouse and I were on 2 middle row seats and there was a fairly large gap between our 2 seats and the other two.   Much more room--which was easy to note having just been on the 787.  

[Dan O]

Wasn't the purchase of a number of aircraft at inflated prices what got them in trouble last time?

[SpaceKadet]

Since the bean counters took over and kicked out the engineers, Boeing is no longer the respected high tech aerospace company it once was.

Recent 737 Max crashes and the Starliner fiasco tell a true story. I wouldn't trust any new product from that manufacturer.

 

I'll just repeat what I said in another thread:

 

"If it's Boeing, I ain't going..."

[Purdey]

I guess you only get commissions on new airplanes.

[kimamey]

On 4/9/2025 at 9:26 AM, msbkk said:

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

I fly a lot on Gulf Air which uses Dreamliners. They are fine, although I think the A350 is better. The seats in any plane is dependent on how they fit it out rather than the aircraft manufacturer.

[LosLobo]

55 minutes ago, kimamey said:

I fly a lot on Gulf Air which uses Dreamliners. They are fine, although I think the A350 is better. The seats in any plane is dependent on how they fit it out rather than the aircraft manufacturer.

So, the seats depend on the fit-out, not the manufacturer— yet somehow the A350 wins?

[PoorSucker]

On 4/9/2025 at 3:18 PM, blaze master said:

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

And the family and cousins from inmarried

[NanLaew]

 

On 4/9/2025 at 7:32 PM, CallumWK said:

 

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

 

Are you American?

 

Maybe he knows where the door plugs are when he's selecting his seat?

[NanLaew]

On 4/10/2025 at 7:57 PM, jayboy said:

On 4/10/2025 at 11:43 AM, Sydebolle said:

Good luck that I am retired as I am lost for understanding and comprehension. Thai Airways clocked an accrued 300 billion Thai Baht loss, has retired aircraft parked literally all over the country and now goes shopping for 45 new toys.

 

Excellent post.Thai Airways is now out of rehabilitation but as far as i can see, the many management and financial structural issues have not been properly addressed.

 

I like it when the former-executives and management of international airlines retire to Thailand and post insightful and informative comments on these forum pages.

[josephbloggs]

1 hour ago, LosLobo said:

So, the seats depend on the fit-out, not the manufacturer— yet somehow the A350 wins?

What's wrong with that? IMO the A350 is a better plane too. More airy, quieter, and just a nicer place to be. Plus it is a lot less likely to fall out of the sky.

Interior seat comfort varies by airline, as does service and IFE, but the plane is the plane. And the A350 is a nicer place to be than a 787 for me.

Not sure why you struggle with that concept. 

A380, A350, B787, B777 in that order for me.