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.