Economy Thai Airways Snubs Direct US Flights Despite Safety Rating Boost

[webfact]

File photo for reference only

 

Thai Airways International is steering clear of resuming direct flights to the United States, despite a US safety rating upgrade for Thailand this year.

 

CEO Chai Eamsiri revealed at the Reuters NEXT Asia summit in Singapore that the airline's current fleet isn't equipped for such long-haul routes. He underscored the US market as risky due to ongoing tariff negotiations.

 

The airline halted US flights in 2015 following a safety rating downgrade, and no relaunch is planned. However, Mr Chai mentioned the possibility of buying more Boeing planes, which might influence tariff talks with the US.

 

In February last year, Thai Airways ordered 45 Boeing 787-9 jets with an additional option to purchase 35 more.

 

Thailand is currently negotiating to avoid a hefty 36% tariff on its products, effective from August 1.

 

Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira hinted that purchasing more Boeing aircraft could be part of an agreement with the US, which Mr Chai confirmed involves Thai Airways’ option to acquire more 787s.

 

Earlier this year, THAI emerged from a significant debt restructuring process and anticipates relisting its shares by early August.

 

The airline restructured its 400 billion-baht debt in 2021, reducing its staff and fleet size. Now, operating at 75% pre-pandemic seat capacity, the airline's revenue is exceeding pre-Covid levels, with Mr Chai stating their operations are more efficient now. 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-10

 

 

[novacova]

23 minutes ago, webfact said:

Thai Airways International is steering clear of resuming direct flights to the United States, despite a US safety rating upgrade for Thailand this year.

 

CEO Chai Eamsiri revealed at the Reuters NEXT Asia summit in Singapore that the airline's current fleet isn't equipped for such long-haul routes.

How did this airline acquire a safety upgrade by the US to fly to the US when the airline isn’t equipped to reach the US?

[KhunBENQ]

8 minutes ago, novacova said:

How did this airline acquire a safety upgrade by the US to fly to the US when the airline isn’t equipped to reach the US?

Strange question.

The safety upgrade is about safety procedures in Thailand, following maintenance and documentation rules etc.

 

Not connected to actual flight plans.

Getting permission for a certain route is a separate procedure.

 

[KhunBENQ]

As I  understand the new rating also allows other airlines nonstop services between US and Thailand?

So there could well be United or others doing westcoast to Bangkok nonstop.

[sammieuk1]

Did a one way economy BKK-LHR two months ago and know how they kept more revenue with 75% of pre-pandemic occupancy, they simply halved the room between seats to nutcase levels for long haul and also reduced the toilets to postage stamp size never again for me standing up would be more comfortable 🤔

[KhunBENQ]

I doubt nonstop flights will happen. Los Angeles to Bangkok is more than 13000 km/8000 miles.

That's serious stuff at the edge of current jets.

With less passengers and load.

Will be lengthy/expensive and probably not easy to fill?

[KhunBENQ]

3 minutes ago, sammieuk1 said:

Did a one way economy BKK-LHR two months ago

And this is significantly shorter than a US nonstop.

[Upnotover]

28 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

I doubt nonstop flights will happen. Los Angeles to Bangkok is more than 13000 km/8000 miles.

That's serious stuff at the edge of current jets.

With less passengers and load.

Will be lengthy/expensive and probably not easy to fill?

I used to fly BKK>>LAX regularly on the TG A340-500.  That route didn't stack up economically I believe.  There's no issue with flying the distance, SQ flies further, I think the issue remains economics.