Thai Airways Finalises Big Boeing 787 Order

According to Reuters sources, Thai Airways has concluded talks with Boeing and placed an order for 45 Boeing 787s, with options for further units.

While a deal has not been formally announced, it is reflected on Boeing’s orders and deliveries sheet as an unidentified customer.

An Important Deal

Thai Airways has been closely monitoring widebodies for its future fleet and was reported to be interested specifically in the Boeing 787 towards the end of 2023.

Such a deal was slated to include up to 80 aircraft. However, the now finalised deal says there are 45 firm units and an unclear number of options that could bring the total close to this original amount.

Labelled as a long-time in the making, Thai Airways had submitted requests for proposals (RFPs) to Airbus and Boeing for a more midsize widebody. This pitch would’ve likely seen the A330neo and 787 pushed to the carrier from the respective manufacturers.

A Revamp To The Fleet

Thai Airways has been one of the many airlines that have undergone a fleet revamp in recent years, largely spurred on by the global pandemic, but also plans to improve sustainability and finances across the board.

Several large types, such as the 747, A380, and A340, were removed, which, while inefficient, provided the airline with a substantial amount of capacity.

As a result of these retirements, among other aircraft beginning to show signs of age, the airline needs to proceed with such an order for a new widebody to meet efficiency targets and growth.

The Thai Airways Current Fleet

Fleet data indicates that Thai Airways has 69 aircraft to its name, with 63 of these aircraft currently in service across its group.

In-service aircraft are spread across various aircraft types, with widebodies featuring the Airbus A330, Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Airbus A350.

The airline’s oldest widebody, measured by average age, is the three current A330-300s, at 14.8 years. This is followed by 20 active Boeing 777s, averaging 10.7 years.

As part of a commitment to the next generation of widebody, the airline has less than 10 Boeing 787s in its fleet, averaging 8.5 years of age, and 14 active A350-900s, which average 6.1 years.