Thai Airways Bolsters Fleet with 45 Boeing 787-9 Order
In a strategic move to enhance its long-haul operations, Thai Airways International, based in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, has placed a substantial order for forty-five Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This ambitious acquisition is part of the airline’s forward-looking aircraft procurement strategy, stretching from 2024 to 2033. This development follows a report by Reuters in December 2023, identifying Thai Airways as the previously undisclosed customer in Boeing’s orderbook.
The decision to invest in the 787-9s marks a significant step in Thai Airways’ long-term planning, aligning with its goal to modernize and expand its fleet over the next decade. The airline’s spokesperson elucidated that this order is a cornerstone of Thai’s ten-year aircraft acquisition blueprint, signaling a robust commitment to fleet enhancement and operational growth.
Thai Airways said it intended to procure approximately forty 787 aircraft, with an overall strategy to acquire about 90 new widebody jets during the fall of 2023. This comprehensive plan includes a blend of firm orders, options, and purchase rights, underscoring the airline’s ambitious expansion and modernization efforts.
A notable aspect of this deal is Thai Airways’ selection of General Electric engines for the new 787-9 aircraft, diverging from its previous disputes with Rolls-Royce over engine and maintenance costs. This choice highlights the flexibility in engine selection for the 787 models, contrasting with the A350’s exclusive partnership with Rolls-Royce engines. The decision evidently reflects Thai Airways’ strategic considerations in optimizing performance and cost-efficiency for its fleet.
Thai Airways is navigating through a court-supervised business rehabilitation process, aiming for a more streamlined and efficient fleet. The global aviation industry’s recovery post-pandemic has accelerated demand, leading to capacity challenges for many airlines, including Thai. To bridge the gap in the short term, Thai Airways has resorted to leasing additional aircraft.
The airline’s existing fleet includes a mix of Boeing and Airbus aircraft, featuring two Boeing 787-9s, six 787-8s, seventeen 777-300ERs, five 777-200ERs, seventeen Airbus A350-900s, three A330-300s, and twenty A320-200s. The addition of forty-five 787-9 Dreamliners represents a significant milestone in Thai Airways’ ongoing efforts to modernize its operations and cater to the growing demand for air travel.