Thai Airways International has announced that it has no plans to restart direct flights to the United States, despite the US upgrading Thailand’s air safety rating this year to allow such operations, according to CEO Chai Eamsiri.
Speaking at the Reuters NEXT Asia summit in Singapore, Mr. Chai explained that the airline’s current fleet is not suited for long-haul flights to the US efficiently. He also pointed out that the US market presents a “significant risk” amid ongoing tariff negotiations.
Thai Airways ceased flying to the US in 2015, the same year the US Federal Aviation Administration downgraded Thailand’s air safety rating to Category 2, which prevented Thai carriers from launching or expanding services to the US.
During the conference, Mr. Chai also mentioned that Thai Airways has the option to purchase additional aircraft from Boeing as part of Thailand’s broader tariff negotiation strategy with the US.
In February last year, the airline announced an order for 45 Boeing 787-9 wide-body jets, with options for an additional 35 aircraft. Thailand has submitted a new trade proposal to the US to avoid a 36% tariff on certain Thai products, which is set to take effect on August 1.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira also indicated that Thailand might acquire more Boeing planes under an agreement with Washington, referring specifically to Thai Airways’ option to buy 35 more Boeing 787s.
In June, Thai Airways completed its debt restructuring plan and announced plans to relist its shares on the stock exchange by early August. The airline had initiated a bankruptcy-protected restructuring in 2021, reducing its debt by 400 billion baht, halving its workforce, and trimming its fleet.
CEO Chai stated that the airline is currently operating at approximately 75% of its pre-pandemic seat capacity, but its revenue has already surpassed pre-COVID levels. He commented, “Our efficiency is better than in the past.”