Thai Airways (THAI) has made light work of fleet expansion plans in recent days after the carrier secured 14 Airbus A321neo aircraft in two separate agreements with two different lessors.
On April 23, 2025, the Singapore lessor BOC Aviation confirmed that an agreement had been signed with Thai Airways to deliver five Airbus A321neos from its current orderbook.
And just a day earlier on April 22, 2025, China Aircraft Leasing Group (CALC), announced it was collaborating with Thai Airways for the first time with an agreement to deliver nine Airbus A321neo aircraft in phases from 2026 to 2028.
Commenting on Boc Aviation’s arrangement, CEO Steven Townend, said: “We are pleased to be working once more with long-time customer, Thai Airways. The delivery of these technologically advanced aircraft is an important transaction in the development of our portfolio and will support Thai Airways as it expands its fleet and regional network.”
China Aircraft Leasing Group praised Thai Airways as “one of Southeast Asia’s most established flag carriers” and said the partnership reflected its “continued efforts to grow its customer base in the Asia-Pacific region”.
“We are proud to partner with THAI as part of their fleet expansion journey,” Winnie Liu, President and CCO of CALC, said. “This agreement not only strengthens our presence in Southeast Asia but also reinforces CALC’s role as a trusted provider of flexible, long-term fleet solutions tailored to each airline’s unique needs.”
Thai Airways has repeatedly used the lease agreement framework over the last two years to bolster its fleet.
On February 5, 2025, the airline announced it had entered into a lease agreement with Dublin-based SMBC Aviation Capital for eight factory-new Airbus A321neo aircraft with delivery scheduled for 2026 and 2027.
On February 26, 2024, the airline also signed a deal with Air Lease Corporation for three 787-9 Dreamliners.
And only days before on February 21, 2024, Thai Airways and AerCap announced that the carrier would lease a mix of Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
Both agreements were announced at Singapore Airshow 2024, where Thai Airways also unveiled an order with Boeing for 45 787-9 aircraft.
According to ch-aviation, Thai Airways currently operates an active fleet of 72 aircraft and is awaiting delivery on 80 jets which includes 32 A321neos.
