Thai Airways in Trade Negotiations to Order More 787s

Thai Airways is considering exercising its option to purchase additional Boeing 787-9 aircraft as part of ongoing trade negotiations between Thailand and the United States, according to CEO Chai Eamsiri. The move follows Thailand’s recent submission of a new trade proposal to the Trump administration aimed at avoiding a 36% tariff increase on Thai exports.

Thai Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira confirmed in an interview with Bloomberg that the national carrier is offering to buy more Boeing jets to support the negotiations.

In February 2024, Thai Airways placed orders for 39 Boeing 787-9s and six 787-10s, with options for 35 more. However, despite the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration upgrading Thailand’s air safety rating to Category 1 earlier this year, Thai Airways has no plans to resume direct flights to the United States.

Speaking at the Reuters NEXT Asia summit, Eamsiri said the airline’s current fleet cannot support long-haul U.S. operations efficiently and cited the American market as a “big risk” amid ongoing tariff talks. Thai Airways suspended its U.S. services in 2015 after a downgrade to Category 2 status.

Now out of its business rehabilitation program, the airline is focused on simplifying its fleet. According to ch-aviation data, Thai Airways currently operates 20 A320-200s, 5 A330-300s, 23 A350-900s, 5 Boeing 777-200ERs, 17 Boeing 777-300ERs, 6 Boeing 787-8s, and 3 Boeing 787-9s. The airline plans to retire its A330-300s and 777-200ERs by 2033 as part of its fleet modernization strategy.

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

Tags: chaviation

Thai Airways in Trade Negotiations to Order More 787s

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