Thai Airways to expand network and increase flight frequency

Thai Airways International (THAI) will strengthen its presence in Asia with more flights to China and new destinations.

Objective: to consolidate Bangkok as a regional hub and ensure sustainable growth, while diversifying its markets beyond the peak season.

Thai Airways aims to consolidate its role as a regional hub

Thai Airways plane at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.

On Saturday, August 23, Chai Eamsiri, chief executive of Thai Airways, said the move would help the national airline achieve sustainable growth.

"We want to strengthen our position as a regional hub, connecting Asia and beyond," Mr. Chai said.

He added that this strategy would increase passenger numbers during the low season, optimize slot utilization and diversify risks by reducing dependence on a single market.

A major offensive on the Chinese market

Chinese tourists wearing Thai school uniforms. Photo from 2024: Apichart Jinakul/Bangkok Post

The airline is now planning a major expansion in China.

Currently, Thai Airways serves five Chinese cities (Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Kunming and Guangzhou) with 42 flights per week.

THAI plans to double the frequency of its flights to Guangzhou and Beijing, from seven to fourteen weekly flights for each, for the 2025-2026 winter schedule.

It will also resume services to Xiamen, Chongqing and Changsha, with seven flights per week to each of these destinations, and will open new services to Wuhan and Shenzhen.

The expansion is expected to double the number of flights offered and increase revenue from the Chinese market, Chai said.

A network designed for Asia, Europe and Australia

Tourists at an airport in Thailand. Photo: The Nation Thailand

Chinese routes attract not only Chinese passengers, but also travelers from Europe and Australia transiting through Bangkok, which underlines Thai Airways' network model.

The current occupancy rate on Chinese routes is 70% on average in low season and around 80% in high season.

THAI also plans to launch new services to Gaya, India, as well as several new domestic routes, as it takes delivery of new aircraft, the CEO said.

A fleet undergoing full modernization

Thai Airways planes.

The airline currently operates 78 aircraft, including 58 wide-body aircraft and 20 narrow-body aircraft of six different types.

By the end of the month, the airline will add an Airbus A321neo to its fleet.

It will take delivery of another aircraft by the end of the year, as well as a Boeing 787-9.

These aircraft will be primarily used for Chinese and Indian routes, either at the end of this year or at the beginning of 2026.

Fifteen additional A321neos will be delivered from next year.

To fill capacity gaps before the arrival of the new aircraft, Thai Airways plans to lease eight to 10 wide-cabin aircraft for six years, with a final decision expected next month.

At the same time, the cabins of the Airbus A320, Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350 will be renovated to harmonize the products offered on board.

Longer term, THAI has placed a firm order for 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliners powered by GEnx engines, with the first nine deliveries scheduled for 2028.

See: Thai Airways confirms abandonment of Airbus and purchase of 45 Boeing 787s

By 2033, the airline aims to have a fleet of 150 aircraft, comprising 17 Boeing 777-300ERs, 17 Airbus A350-900s, 64 Boeing 787s and 52 Airbus A321neos.

Travelers with changing booking habits

Passengers receive their meal trays on a Thai Airways flight.

Passenger booking habits are changing, Thai Airways CEO said.

Asian travelers now book their tickets three to four months in advance, compared to more than six months previously, often waiting for promotions.

European passengers, on the other hand, still tend to book about six months in advance.

See also:

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Source: Bangkok Post