Thai AirAsia Expands Fleet with First Batch of A321neo Aircraft, Plans for Future Growth

Thai AirAsia (FD, Bangkok Don Mueang) is accelerating its fleet expansion, with plans to reach a total of 60 aircraft by the end of the year. The airline recently took delivery of its first batch of Airbus A321neo aircraft, marking a key milestone in its growth strategy. Speaking at an AerCap event in Malaysia earlier this month, CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya outlined Thai AirAsia’s ambitious plans for further expansion over the next five years.

Klongchaiya confirmed that Thai AirAsia has already received two A321-200NX aircraft in June and July, bringing the total count of A321neo planes in its fleet to four. The airline expects to receive a fifth A321-200NX before the end of 2024. Over the next five years, the airline plans to continue adding to its fleet, with four or five new aircraft arriving annually. While the majority of these new planes will be NX models, Klongchaiya indicated that some could be A321-200NY(XLR) variants, depending on the airline’s route expansion strategies.

The A321neo(XLR) is particularly appealing to Thai AirAsia due to its longer range and versatility. Klongchaiya highlighted the potential for this aircraft type to facilitate route expansion into new markets, including the Middle East. He described the A321neo(XLR) as a “versatile plane” that offers significant cost savings, enabling the airline to explore new destinations, including secondary airports across Southeast Asia. He also expressed optimism about the future of Thailand’s aviation industry, predicting exponential growth over the next five to ten years.

The airline’s growth plans are part of a broader expansion strategy within the AirAsia Aviation Group. According to Bo Lingam, CEO of the AirAsia Aviation Group, the group’s combined fleet, which includes AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia, AirAsia Cambodia, and Philippines AirAsia, currently consists of 221 aircraft. The group aims to increase this number to 300 aircraft over the next five years.

As part of this expansion, AerCap, a leading global aircraft leasing company, is delivering fifteen new-build A321-200NX aircraft to the AirAsia Group under long-term lease agreements. Thai AirAsia received one of these aircraft, registered as HS-EAD (msn 11971), in July. The airline had taken delivery of its first A321neo, HS-EAC (msn 12089), from BBAM in June. Additionally, AerCap delivered two more NX aircraft to AirAsia in July, registered as 9M-VAC (msn 11939) and 9M-VAD (msn 12132). AerCap plans to deliver the remaining 12 aircraft to the AirAsia Group by the end of 2025.

The addition of the A321neo aircraft is a key component of Thai AirAsia’s strategy to modernize and grow its fleet. While the new planes will contribute to overall fleet growth, some will also replace older aircraft whose leases are set to expire. This blend of expansion and fleet renewal will position Thai AirAsia for continued success in the rapidly evolving aviation market.

With Airbus deliveries resuming after a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, Thai AirAsia and its affiliate airlines are well-positioned to take advantage of new opportunities. The combination of the efficient and versatile A321neo models and the airline’s aggressive growth strategy is expected to drive Thai AirAsia’s expansion into new markets while enhancing its operational efficiency and customer experience.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com