Thai Airways to finalize new long-haul widebody choice within two years

Thai Airways International is set to decide on its next generation of long-haul widebody aircraft within the next one to two years, according to the airline’s CEO, Chai Eamsiri. The carrier is currently evaluating Airbus’s A350-1000 and Boeing’s 777X programme as replacement options for its long-range fleet. The decision is anticipated to support the resumption of routes between Bangkok and North America, which Thai Airways has not operated since 2015.

The airline’s current long-haul fleet includes Airbus A350-900s and Boeing 777-300ERs, with the latter expected to remain in service for at least another decade. Thai Airways has also committed to expanding its 787 Dreamliner fleet, having recently taken delivery of a new 787-9 equipped with General Electric GEnx engines. The growing 787 fleet is identified as a key component for increasing operational flexibility and will play a major role in Thai’s future long-haul operations.

In 2024, Thai Airways placed an order for 45 Boeing 787s, which includes options for an additional 35 aircraft and flexibility to convert some of those options into Boeing 777X jets. The first deliveries of the new widebody aircraft are expected to begin in 2036. This approach frames a long-term fleet renewal strategy that balances current operations with future growth prospects.

While Airbus’s ultra-long-range variant of the A350-1000 is entering service with launch customer Qantas in 2027, Thai Airways' CEO ruled out this variant for the airline. The primary reason cited is that the cost per seat is too high for Thai’s business model. Instead, the carrier prefers the baseline A350-1000 and Boeing’s 777X as more suitable options.

The 777-300ERs currently form the backbone of Thai’s long-haul fleet, but the older 777-200ERs are slated for retirement by the end of this year. This phase-out is part of the airline’s broader fleet modernization plan, which will see a transition toward more fuel-efficient and flexible aircraft types like the 787 and future widebody additions.

Thai Airways’ interest in the Boeing 777X reflects confidence in its operational capabilities and potential to improve route economics on long-haul sectors. The airline’s evaluation process includes detailed assessments of performance, cost efficiencies, and alignment with anticipated passenger demand on intercontinental flights.

The planned fleet renewal is also strategically timed to coincide with Thai Airways' ambition to reconnect Bangkok to key North American destinations. The airline ceased regular service to these markets over a decade ago and sees the new aircraft as enablers for re-entry given their improved range and passenger comfort features.

By securing next-generation aircraft, Thai Airways aims to enhance its competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific long-haul market, which is witnessing evolving passenger preferences and rising environmental regulations. The decision timeline aligns with industry trends toward adopting more sustainable, fuel-efficient jets for major international airlines across the region.