Thai Airways has entered a lease agreement with Dublin-based SMBC Aviation Capital for eight factory-new Airbus A321neo aircraft.
The agreement between Thai Airways and SMBC was confirmed on February 5, 2025, with delivery of the new Airbus A321neos scheduled to arrive in 2026 and 2027.
The narrowbody aircraft form part of SMBC’s own orderbook with Airbus which, according to ch-aviation, includes 19 A321neos, 27 A321-200NXs and four A321-200NX(LR) jets.
On February 20, 2024, at the Singapore Airshow, Thai Airways announced that it had placed an order with Boeing for 45 787-9 aircraft.
The following day Thai Airways and lessor AerCap announced that the national flag carrier would lease a mix of Boeing and Airbus aircraft which would include 10 A321neos.
The flurry of orders and agreements over the last 12 months is part of Thai Airways’ plans for sustainable long-term fleet growth to replace gradually expiring leased and aging aircraft.
“The Airbus A321neo aircraft will not only boost Thai Airways operational efficiency, it will enhance the overall customer experience with more comfort and advanced features while also promoting a more sustainable aviation industry,” said Conor Stafford, Head of Airline Marketing, SMBC Aviation Capital.
Stafford added: “We are delighted to support Thai Airways in the growth and modernization of their fleet and we look forward to many years of working together.”
Thai Airways was forced to file for bankruptcy protection in 2020 as its financial position was decimated by the collapse in air travel during the pandemic.
However, over the four intervening years, the company has undertaken a wide-ranging restructuring process across its entire organization and operation, with the primary goal being to turn around the airline’s financial position.
Thai Airways total current fleet includes 79 aircraft with the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-300ER among the most numerous.
