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Despite improvements in aviation safety ratings and fleet modernization by Thai Airways—which now operates fuel-efficient aircraft such as Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s—nonstop flights remain unlikely in the near term due to economic factors.
Routes between major US cities like Los Angeles and Bangkok are considered ultra-long-haul at over 8,200 miles. Such routes typically require strong demand from high-paying business travelers to be profitable because of high operational costs. In contrast, most traffic between the US and Thailand consists of leisure travelers or those visiting friends or relatives—groups that tend to prioritize lower fares over nonstop convenience.
Historically, Thai Airways operated nonstop flights from Bangkok to both Los Angeles and New York using Airbus A340-500s but discontinued these services due to financial losses attributed partly to fuel inefficiency. While newer aircraft could theoretically make these routes more viable today, market conditions have not yet shifted enough.
Currently, Air Canada is the only airline offering a nonstop flight between North America and Thailand: three weekly flights from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), increasing during peak season. This route benefits from a shorter distance compared with US West Coast airports—about 7,344 miles—and less competition on Southeast Asian routes out of Vancouver.
Travelers between the US and Thailand can choose among many one-stop options through East Asian hubs like Tokyo Narita (NRT), Seoul Incheon (ICN), Manila Ninoy Aquino (MNL), Hong Kong (HKG), Singapore Changi (SIN), or Taipei Taoyuan (TPE). Major airlines such as All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air—and Middle Eastern carriers Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways—offer extensive connecting services via their respective hubs.
Looking ahead, industry observers consider United Airlines as a likely candidate should any US carrier launch a nonstop service between the two countries. Its Star Alliance partnership with Thai Airways would allow for seamless onward connections within Southeast Asia if such a route were established. Potential departure points include Los Angeles or San Francisco—the former home to America's largest Thai community; the latter serves as a key transpacific hub for United’s operations.
While ongoing growth in luxury tourism may eventually increase premium demand on these routes—as seen elsewhere with ultra-long-haul success stories—it remains uncertain when or if a US-based airline will introduce direct service between America and Thailand.
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