Thai Airways confirms deal for up to 80 Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets and targets 777X
Boeing and Thai Airways waited for the start of the Singapore Airshow 2024 to confirm what was already known: the Thai carrier closed a firm order for 45 787-9 Dreamliner and 25 purchase options for the wide-body aircraft.
The two companies also included in the agreement a possible order for 777X in the future, arguing that “the seamless interchangeability between these Dreamliner models and B777X offers Thai strategic advantages in optimizing routes, capacity, and operational efficiency.”
Thai currently has 22 first-generation Boeing 777s in its fleet, 17 of which are the -300ER variant, in addition to 17 Airbus A350-900s.
The new 787-9 Dreamliner will be delivered from 2027 and will have GE Aerospace’s GEnx engines, instead of the Rolls Royce Trent that power its aircraft of the type currently in the fleet.
It is understood that the change of turbofan supplier involves high prices asked by the UK manufacturer.
“To achieve the company’s carbon neutral goals by 2050, the 45 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be equipped with GEnx engines which are known for their cutting-edge technology and reduced environmental impact. Furthermore, 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.
“Thai Airways’ strategic investment in the 787 Dreamliner builds on our long-standing partnership and signifies the airline’s commitment to operating a modern, efficient and flexible fleet,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.
Thai has already operated the Airbus A380
The possible order of the Boeing 777X could see Thai once again have a large-capacity aircraft in its fleet. The airline was one of the customers for the Airbus A380, the largest passenger plane in the world.
In the midst of the pandemic, however, Thai decommissioned the six A380s it owned.
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