THAI reveals plan to buy 45 Dreamliners

Flag carrier to get new 787s from 2027

SINGAPORE: Thai Airways International (THAI) announced its intention to acquire 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliners from the US-based aviation company, with the option to purchase up to 80 of the modern aircraft at the 2024 Singapore Airshow yesterday.

The plan was jointly announced by the Thai flag carrier, Boeing (BA) and GE Aerospace (GE), which will be providing the engines for the new jetliners.

According to a statement released yesterday, THAI has the flexibility to convert its order between aircraft within the Boeing Dreamliner family, which allows the airline to maximise its adaptability to meet the evolving market demands.

As part of the deal, THAI may be able to convert some of its Dreamliner orders to Boeing 777Xs, which have a superior capacity and range but retain a lot of operational similarities that minimise the need for pilot retraining.

By leveraging this flexibility, THAI is poised to meet future challenges and capitalise on emerging opportunities, according to the statement released yesterday.

“Thai Airways’ strategic investment in the 787 Dreamliner builds on our long-standing partnership and signifies the airline’s commitment to operate a modern, efficient and flexible fleet,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.

“This significant order will support Thai Airways’ ability to meet demand, foster tourism and trade, and create further opportunities for this carrier.”

“We are confident that the acquisition of the 787 Dreamliners will ultimately benefit our customers and support the growth of our country’s economy,” said Chai Eamsiri, THAI CEO, in the statement.

The GEnx engine family has logged more than 50 million flight hours since their entry into service in 2011 and is the fastest-selling, high-thrust engine in GE history, with nearly 3,000 engines in service and on backlog, including spares, according to data from its manufacturer.

“GE Aerospace is proud to add Thai Airways to the list of leading airlines that have chosen the proven performance and superior efficiency of the GEnx engine to power its new 787 Dreamliners,” said Russell Stokes, President and CEO for GE Aerospace’s Commercial Engines and Services division.

“We look forward to working together to introduce these engines into THAI’s fleet.”

The 45 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be delivered and introduced into THAI’s fleet over a ten-year timeframe, with deliveries set to begin in 2027.

THAI said it is confident that its long-term business plan would boost the economy.