Thai Airways to Order 45 Boeing Planes With Option to Buy More Units

Thai Airways International, Thailand's flagship carrier airline, reportedly ordered 45 airplanes from The Boeing Company. The American aircraft maker won these orders as it continues to face intense scrutiny after an Alaska Airlines plane's door blew off mid-flight in early January.

Potential Expansion of Deal with Boeing

According to Bloomberg, Thai Airways, which has just emerged from a major corporate reorganization, said its transaction with Boeing also includes an option to expand its order for more planes. The Bangkok-based airline further shared that it will add the new jets to its fleet between 2027 and 2033.

Since Thai Airways is still paying off debts, it said on Wednesday, Feb. 14, that its agreement with Boeing will not affect its ongoing repayments under the debt rehabilitation process. It was mentioned that the ordered widebody aircraft will feature engines made by General Electric Co.

"The long-term aircraft acquisition plan is crucial for replacing gradually expiring leased and aging aircraft," Bangkok Post quoted an airline official saying in a statement.

Boeing vs. Airbus

Amid the struggles, Boeing has been winning orders from airlines. This deal with Thai Airways expanded the company's orderbook after India's Akasa Air recently ordered 150 Max planes.

Boeing won against its rival Airbus SE as Thai Airways dropped the offer it received from Rolls-Royce Holdings regarding engine pricing. After the disagreements, it chose General Electric instead; thus, it is buying planes from Boeing instead of Airbus with the Rolls-Royce engines.

Meanwhile, Thai Airways confirmed it will announce more details about its order and selection of engines at the Singapore Air Show that will take place next week. The airline also affirmed that it is well on its way to recovery and planning to exit from its rehabilitation this year fully.

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