Quantcast

Thai Airways plans major fleet expansion amid financial recovery

European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
Cathay Pacific reaches 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9%
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
Thai Airways plans major fleet expansion amid financial recovery
Policy
Webp thai
Thai Airways | Wikipedia

Thai Airways is set to expand its aircraft fleet significantly by 2029, as it exits the debt restructuring process initiated in 2020. According to Bloomberg, the Thai national airline plans to double its fleet size from 79 to 143 aircraft over the next four years.

Piyasvasti Amranand, who was appointed as the debt administrator for Thai Airways, shared insights with Bloomberg about this development. "The debt rehabilitation accomplishment and earnings jump has significantly strengthened Thai Airways' finances, which has allowed it to return to aggressive expansion mode," he said.

Currently operating with a fleet of 79 aircraft, Thai Airways aims to broaden its route network across Australia, Europe, and China among other destinations. The types of new aircraft have not been specified yet. Previously, the airline decommissioned older planes and ended leases on less efficient models during the pandemic. From a peak of 100 planes in 2013, including Airbus A380s, their fleet decreased to 64 by late 2022.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

In an effort to modernize its fleet further, Thai Airways ordered 45 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner widebodies in 2024. These are considered "crucial" for replacing aging leased aircraft with deliveries starting in 2027. Their current fleet includes various Airbus and Boeing models.

Before entering restructuring due to net losses since 2013, a resurgence in tourism post-COVID-19 enabled Thai Airways to expand through operating leases. The airline reported a net profit of $452 million in the first nine months of 2024 after a significant loss in previous years.

Weera Wongsan from the Federation of Savings and Credit Cooperatives of Thailand remarked on this rapid turnaround: "Thai Airways' rapid turnaround is quite astonishing," adding that "most lenders were prepared for a much longer and more painful recovery timeframe."

Beyond fleet expansion, Thai Airways has upgraded its short-haul business class cabins by introducing Royal Silk Class on Airbus A320s. This enhancement includes spacious seats with advanced features aimed at improving passenger experience on domestic routes.

This refurbishment will see all Airbus A320-200s equipped with these new premium cabins by mid-2025. The Royal Silk Class offers amenities such as curated dining options and exclusive amenity kits for flights over three-and-a-half hours.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

In December 2022, Southwest Airlines faced a major crisis as operational challenges led to the cancellation of 16,900 flights, affecting nearly two million passengers during a peak travel period.

Apr 19, 2025

Harrison Ford, an acclaimed actor known for roles such as Han Solo in "Star Wars" and Indiana Jones, is also a noted aviation enthusiast.

Apr 19, 2025

Iberia Airlines has confirmed a notable shift in its flight schedule connecting Madrid and Dallas/Fort Worth, introducing its first overnight service from Europe to the US.

Apr 19, 2025