In a significant expansion of its fleet, Thai Airways International has announced a leasing agreement with Air Lease Corporation for three new B787-9 aircraft, slated for delivery in 2025. This marks the inaugural leasing deal between the national carrier of Thailand and the prominent aircraft leasing company, as per records from the ch-aviation fleets module.
This strategic move supplements Thai Airways’ ambitious order, placed in February 2024, for forty-five B787-9s with an additional 35 options, signaling a robust long-term aircraft acquisition strategy stretching from 2024 to 2033. Notably, the order grants Thai Airways the flexibility to interchange some of the B787-9s with B777-9s, offering adaptability in fleet development to meet evolving market demands.
Thai Airways aims to significantly rejuvenate and expand its widebody fleet, with plans to incorporate approximately 90 new aircraft. The incorporation of leased jets from Air Lease Corporation is a key component of this strategy, ensuring a timely enhancement of the airline’s operational capabilities by the end of 2025.
Presently, Thai Airways operates a diverse fleet of 70 aircraft, including models from Airbus and Boeing, catering to various route requirements and passenger preferences. The fleet consists of twenty A320-200s, three A330-300s, seventeen A350-900s, five B777-200ERs, seventeen B777-300ERs, six B787-8s, and two B787-9s. The airline’s extensive use of leasing arrangements, with 47 aircraft currently leased from 14 different companies, underscores its flexible approach to fleet management and its commitment to offering a modern, efficient, and comfortable flying experience to its customers.
This latest leasing agreement with Air Lease Corporation not only strengthens Thai Airways’ position in the competitive aviation market but also signifies its continued investment in fleet modernization and expansion. As the airline looks forward to the arrival of the new B787-9s, passengers can anticipate enhanced service quality and expanded route options in the near future.
