Thai Airways International has announced its order of at least 45 aircraft from Boeing, providing a much-needed boost to the US planemaker amid intense scrutiny following an accident on an Alaska Airlines flight earlier this year.
Emerging from a major restructuring, THAI stated that its order includes an option to acquire additional jets. The new aircraft will be integrated into the fleet between 2027 and 2033, and the deal will not impact ongoing repayment arrangements under its debt rehabilitation process.
According to THAI, the long-term aircraft acquisition plan is crucial for gradually replacing expiring leased and aging aircraft. General Electric will power the jets, which are typically equipped with engines for widebody aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The total value of the aircraft deal was not disclosed. The order also includes options for additional aircraft, contributing to a fleet size of 96 jets following the acquisition.
The new jets are expected to enable the carrier to capture enough traffic to generate at least 180 billion baht in annual revenue from 2025 onwards, aligning with the airline’s rehabilitation plan.
Boeing has recently secured deals for 150 Max jets from Akasa Air of India. In contrast, Airbus has received an order for twenty A350-100s from US-based Delta Air Lines and another eleven A350-900s from Ethiopian Airlines.
Amid the fallout from the incident involving an Alaska Airlines jet, which led to the temporary grounding of over 170 Max 9 jets, Boeing has committed to building its 737 Max aircraft at a slower pace during the first half, under the close supervision of US aviation regulators.
THAI plans to divulge more details regarding the order and engine selection at the upcoming Singapore Air Show. The carrier reported its fourth consecutive quarterly profit in November, benefiting from a resurgence in tourism, and aims to emerge from its rehabilitation plan this year.
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