Transport Thai Airways Refutes Political Ties in Aircraft Purchase Deal

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Total Telecom

 

Thai Airways International (THAI) has firmly denied allegations that its ambitious aircraft acquisition plan is linked to US trade deals, asserting that the expansion is dictated by business strategy alone.

 

The airline, which plans to add up to 80 new aircraft to its fleet—45 of which are confirmed orders from Boeing—has faced speculation that the purchase is connected to negotiations with Washington. However, THAI executives have clarified that the decision is rooted in the airline’s recovery efforts, free from political influences.

 

Lavaron Sangsnit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and THAI Chairperson, stated that the strategic plan was established during the company’s financial rehabilitation phase. "The procurement plan was developed independently of any discussions regarding US tariffs," Lavaron emphasised.

 

Chai Eamsiri, THAI’s CEO, bolstered this claim by highlighting the unbiased nature of the decision-making process. "Our choice was driven by sound business principles, with no external pressures from 2023 onwards."

 

The agreement for the 45 Boeing aircraft was finalised at the end of 2023, incorporating fixed pricing. An additional 35 aircraft have been earmarked as options, contingent on the airline's future operational demands.

 

Lavaron further explained that the airline’s resurgence is underpinned by autonomous and professional management, aspects crucial to its ongoing growth plan.

The delivery of the new aircraft is now slated to start in early 2028, slightly earlier than the initial mid-2027 timeline. The carrier intends to utilise these aircraft to expand its international routes and re-establish its reputation as a leading Asian airline.

 

In a report by The Nation, THAI executives dismissed claims that the order was influenced by pressure to accommodate foreign trade partners, labelling the rumours as baseless.

 

Future fleet strategies will be guided by factors such as:

 

• Aircraft type and configuration
• Route network compatibility
• Timing of deliveries
• Strategic alignment with business objectives

 

Lavaron assured that no additional proposals have been entertained beyond the current Boeing deal. He reiterated THAI’s dedication to making commercially-driven and independent decisions without external interference.

 

As the airline navigates its recovery pathway, the management anticipates strong performance stretching into 2025, underscored by commercial rationale rather than diplomatic considerations.

 

For THAI, the directive is clear: continuous growth anchored in business acumen and free from external constraints, ensuring a stable ascent in the competitive aviation sector. The planned fleet augmentation, translating to billions of Thai Baht, remains a testament to the airline’s determined revival and strategic foresight.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-06

 

[TroubleandGrumpy]

If they have not slashed their staff numbers, especially those in management positions, then in under 10 years they will again be looking at bankruptcy when they cannot create enough profits to pay the leases on the planes. Same wash and repeat as always here. 

[Mavideol]

32 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

has firmly denied allegations that its ambitious aircraft acquisition plan is linked to US trade deals

sure it is or why would they be buying a bad plane that keeps crashing all around the world, they should have opted for the Airbus, much better and safer, Trump must have blackmailed/threaten them, that's how he makes deals

[sqwakvfr]

The Airbus 350-1000 is a favorite among the airlines that fly the long routes.  The Airbus 321 Neo is a favorite for airlines looking for a single aisle aircarft. Airbus probably has a longer wait list but they have proven to be the better manufacturer.  The last time Boeing hit a home run was with the B777-300ER. This is was long time ago.  Most airline execs know the future is Airbus unless the B777-9 is a grand slam. With Boeing's recent history I would not have bet so big on them.

[ronnie50]

Whatever their denials, THAI is not 'apolitical' - just look at its board of directors. So it's very possible that the Boeing purchase/promise is political. Hasn't dropped the tariffs though has it? I'm also sceptical about the pledge to buy Grippen fighters from Sweden. It wouldn't suprise me at all if the change suddenly to US fighter planes. Maybe then the tariffs on other things will ease.