Thai Airways’ big bet: 8 brand-new Airbus jets to boost fleet
Thai Airways is making a major move to modernise its fleet, signing a lease agreement for eight brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft with Dublin-based SMBC Aviation Capital.
The deal, confirmed on February 5, will see the cutting-edge jets delivered between 2026 and 2027 as part of the airline’s long-term expansion strategy.
This latest addition comes just months after Thai Airways made headlines at the Singapore Airshow on February 20 last year, by ordering 45 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The following day, the airline inked another lease agreement with AerCap, securing a mix of Boeing and Airbus aircraft, including 10 more A321neos.
Thai Airways is aggressively revamping its fleet to replace ageing planes and expired leases, aligning with its sustainability and efficiency goals.
“The Airbus A321neo aircraft will not only boost Thai Airways’ operational efficiency, but it will also enhance the overall customer experience with more comfort and advanced features while promoting a more sustainable aviation industry,” said Conor Stafford, Head of Airline Marketing at SMBC Aviation Capital.
“We are delighted to support Thai Airways in the growth and modernisation of their fleet and look forward to many years of working together.”
The airline, which filed for bankruptcy protection in 2020, has been undergoing an extensive restructuring process to regain financial stability. With a current fleet of 79 aircraft, including the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-300ER, Thai Airways is positioning itself for a stronger future in global aviation, reported Aerotime.
In similar news, Thai Airways is upgrading its regional flights with a new Royal Silk Class on its Airbus A320 jets, promising a more premium experience.
The revamped business cabin features 12 wide reclining seats with a 38-inch pitch and 5-inch recline, offering more comfort than standard economy. However, there’s a catch—no built-in entertainment screens. Instead, passengers must stream content via Thai Vision Connect, the airline’s inflight WiFi system.
The new business class service will first launch on eight domestic routes from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Phuket, Hat Yai, and Krabi. By mid-2025, all 20 A320 aircraft will feature the upgrade.
Internationally, these jets will also serve over 20 Asian destinations, including Hong Kong, Singapore, India, and Malaysia, offering travellers a fresh take on Thai Airways’ regional experience.
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