Thai airlines gear up for massive fleet expansions

Thailand’s airlines are preparing for a massive fleet expansion as the global aviation industry rebounds at full throttle after the Covid-19 pandemic. With air travel poised to double by 2043, as predicted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Thai carriers are seizing the opportunity to dominate the skies.

Thai Airways International (THAI), the country’s national airline, is leading the charge. Currently operating a fleet of 77 aircraft, THAI plans to expand this to 90 by next year, according to Chief Commercial Officer Korakot Chatasingha.

Over the next decade, the airline aims to grow its fleet to 143 aircraft, focusing on wide-body planes for long-haul routes to Europe and narrow-body jets for Asia-Pacific destinations. THAI also plans to add a daily flight to Brussels from December 1.

Bangkok Airways, the boutique airline, is also in on the action. The carrier will add two Airbus A319s this year, bringing its fleet to 25 planes, says President Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth.

Over the next five years, Bangkok Airways intends to grow its fleet to 30 aircraft, with 20 being brand new. The airline will continue to focus on its flagship Bangkok-Samui route to cater to the ever-growing demand from both domestic and international tourists.

Thai AirAsia, a low-cost carrier, expects to match its pre-Covid fleet of 63 planes by year-end. CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya revealed plans to add 25-30 new aircraft over the next five years, including five Airbus A321neo planes by year-end to handle the high season’s passenger surge. The airline aims to serve 22 million passengers this year.

Thai AirAsia X is following suit, expanding its Airbus A330 fleet from eight to 11 planes by year-end, said CEO Tassapon Bijleveld. The airline plans to restore flights to Sydney and serve 2 million passengers this year. Long-term goals include growing its fleet to 30 planes within five years.

Thai Lion Air is rebuilding its fleet to 35 aircraft after the pandemic, with plans to increase its current 20 planes to 25 by year-end and add five more next year, according to CEO Aswin Yangkirativorn.

Thai VietJet Air is adding two Airbus A320s this year, bringing its fleet to 20 planes. CEO Woranate Laprabang announced plans to procure nine to 12 new aircraft next year, aiming for 50 planes by 2028, focusing on untapped Chinese markets and expanding to Japan and India, reported The Nation.