Boeing and Thai Airways have announced that the flagship carrier has placed an order for additional 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The move comes as Thai Airways seeks to modernize and expand its widebody fleet and international network. Opting for the 787-9 variant aligns with the airline’s long-term strategy to rejuvenate its fleet with more fuel-efficient jets and to introduce new routes to meet the soaring demand for air travel across Southeast Asia.
Thai Airways currently operates eight 787-8s already, complemented by twenty 777s, such as the 777-200, 777-200ER, and 777-300ER. They are operating a mixed Boeing / Airbus wide-body fleet including A330 and A350 – together with a large narrow-body fleet solely comprising of A320. Thai Airways is serving nearly 60 domestic and international destinations spanning the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. With the addition of more 787-9s to its fleet, the airline anticipates operating more efficiently, as the Dreamliner family is known to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 25% compared to older aircraft models.
Boeing’s 2023 Commercial Market Outlook for Southeast Asia projects a significant increase in the region’s widebody fleet over the next two decades, with demand expected to reach nearly 800 airplanes, including passenger jets like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner family and 777X, as well as freighter models.
The Boeing 787-9, 20 feet (6 meters) longer than the 787-8, will enable Thai Airways to accommodate nearly 20% more passengers on longer routes, complementing the capabilities of the 787-8. Since its introduction into service in 2011, the 787 family has facilitated the launch of over 390 new nonstop routes worldwide.
Boeing’s enduring partnership with Thai Airways and its support for Thailand’s aviation industry spans more than six decades. The company maintains offices in Bangkok and actively contributes to initiatives such as STEM education, programs for individuals with disabilities, and sustainable livelihoods through permaculture methods. This commitment underscores Boeing’s dedication to the growth and prosperity of Thailand’s aviation sector.