Thai Airways announced on Feb. 20 that the flagship carrier has placed an order for 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, marking a significant move towards modernizing and expanding its widebody fleet and international network.
Thai Airways may split its new order for Boeing 787s between the -9 and -10 variants, the airline’s CEO Chai Eamsiri, reported Aviation Week.
“To achieve our company’s and the nation’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, the 45 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be equipped with GEnx engines, renowned for their advanced technology and reduced environmental impact,” said Chai Eamsiri, CEO of Thai Airways. “We are confident that the acquisition of the 787 Dreamliners will not only benefit our customers but also support the growth of our country’s economy.”
Thai Airways currently operates widebody jets, including 777s and 787s, serving nearly 60 domestic and international destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. With the addition of more 787-9s to its fleet, the airline aims to enhance operational efficiency, as the Dreamliner family reduces fuel consumption and emissions by up to 25% compared to its predecessors.
“Thai Airways’ strategic investment in the 787 Dreamliner underscores our longstanding partnership and reflects the airline’s commitment to operating a modern, efficient, and flexible fleet,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing’s senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “This order will enable Thai Airways to meet increasing demand, promote tourism and trade, and create further opportunities for growth.”
The order, finalized in December 2023, was listed as unidentified on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website. Boeing’s 2023 Commercial Market Outlook for Southeast Asia forecasts a significant increase in the region’s widebody fleet over the next 20 years, with rising demand for nearly 800 airplanes, including passenger jets such as Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner family and 777X, as well as freighter models.
With a length 20 feet (6 meters) longer than the 787-8, the 787-9 will enable Thai Airways to accommodate nearly 20% more passengers and extend its reach on routes initially served by the 787-8. Since its introduction in revenue service in 2011, the 787 family has facilitated the launch of more than 390 new nonstop routes worldwide.
Boeing’s partnership with Thai Airways and support for the country’s aviation industry spans over 60 years. Boeing’s presence in Thailand includes offices in Bangkok and contributions to important initiatives such as STEM education, programs for individuals with disabilities, and sustainable livelihood through permaculture methods.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, boeing.com, Aviation Week
