Travel Thai Airways Set to Soar: Major Expansion Plan Unveiled

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Thai Airways International (THAI) is expanding its network and boosting flight frequencies, aiming to fortify its regional presence and mitigate market dependencies.

 

Chai Eamsiri, THAI's CEO, emphasised that these changes aim to bolster the airline's regional hub status, linking Asia and beyond. These growth strategies aim to boost passenger volumes during off-peak hours, optimise slot utilisation, and lessen reliance on specific markets.

 

The Chinese market is a significant focus for THAI. Currently, the airline serves five Chinese cities, with plans to double weekly flights to Guangzhou and Beijing by the 2025–2026 winter schedule.

 

Routes to Xiamen, Chongqing, and Changsha will resume, while new services to Wuhan and Shenzhen will commence. Mr. Chai anticipates this expansion will boost both flight offerings and Chinese market revenues, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Besides Chinese passengers, these routes attract European and Australian travellers who transit via Bangkok, showcasing THAI's network-driven model. Current flights to China achieve 70% occupancy in low seasons and 80% in peak seasons.

 

THAI also eyes new routes to Gaya, India, and various domestic destinations as it acquires new aircraft. Currently, the fleet consists of 78 aircraft, including 58 wide-body jets and 20 narrow-body jets.

 

By the end of the month, THAI will introduce its first Airbus A321neo, followed by an additional A321neo and a Boeing 787-9 by year’s end, primarily for routes to China and India. An additional 15 A321neos are expected from next year.

 

To meet demand ahead of new deliveries, THAI plans to lease 8–10 wide-body aircraft for six years, with decisions on this expected next month. Fleet enhancements include cabin refurbishments across various aircraft models.

 

Looking ahead, THAI has placed firm orders for 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with the first deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028. By 2033, THAI envisions a 150-strong fleet, featuring Boeing 777-300ERs, Airbus A350-900s, Boeing 787s, and A321neos.

 

Passenger booking patterns are shifting, with Asian travellers booking just three to four months in advance, in contrast to the previous six months, often waiting for promotions. European passengers, however, maintain a six-month booking window.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-25