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Thai Airways has just welcomed its first Airbus A321neo to the fleet, after it took a delivery flight from Airbus’ Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport with a stopover in Dubai. The aircraft touched down in Bangkok as an early Christmas present, arriving on Christmas Eve (December 24). The aircraft is the next chapter in the Thai flag carrier modernising its fleet.
The Airbus A321neo, which bears registration HS-TOA (serial number 12942), will be the first of ten of the type that will be operated for Thai Airways through a lease agreement with Irish aircraft lessor AerCap. The remaining nine A321neo are forecasted to arrive through staged deliveries until 2028, with the next aircraft due next year.
A Warm Welcome
The arrival of the first A21neo was celebrated with a traditional water salute as it touched down at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), after a journey from Germany to Thailand via the United Arab Emirates. The aircraft leased through AerCap will support the airline’s efforts to modernize its fleet, while also strengthening its competitiveness with other local carriers.
This aircraft is expected to replace the airline’s aging A320-200 airplanes, of which, according to ch-aviation, the airline operates 20. Thai Airways has no direct orders with European planemaker Airbus; however has contracts with lessors for up to 32 new airplanes, including the ten A321neo through AerCap. Thai Airways chief executive Chai Eamsiri explained:
“The arrival of Thai’s first Airbus A321neo marks a significant milestone in our efforts to modernise and enhance the efficiency of our fleet. The first ten aircraft entering into service will be operated under lease agreements with AerCap. This partnership supports Thai’s fleet modernisation and helps strengthen our fleet and global competitiveness.”
Taking Off Soon
Thai Airways expects to introduce the new aircraft into commercial service soon, with the first flights expected to take off in mid-January. In a post by the airline on Facebook, it explained that the first route is scheduled to be January 22, 2026, operating from Bangkok to 
Singapore Changi Airport. Other routes expected with the aircraft include Phuket International Airport and 
Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport.
This aircraft has been christened with the Royal Thai name ‘Boworrangsee’, which means “Traditional Color” or “Royal Hue”. This ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Thai Airways Board, Lavaron Saengsnit, alongside other Board Members and Executive management teams.
The new plane is expected to offer improved fuel efficiency for the carrier, reducing its CO2 emissions by an expected 20%. Not only will the new plane be better for the airline’s pocket, but also enhance the passenger experience on regional and short-haul international routes.
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Related
Thai Airways Unveils Brand New Short Haul Business Class For Airbus A320 Fleet
By the second quarter of 2025, all 20 A320-200 aircraft will feature this new premium cabin.
What To Expect Onboard
Those traveling on board the new A321neo will enjoy an elevated onboard experience, with the cabin featuring lie-flat business class and modern RECARO economy class seating. This will see the airlines’ widebody-style cabins featured on board this narrow-body aircraft. Modern LED lighting and contemporary interior designs boast a more modern Thai Airways brand.
Configured in a two-class layout, 16 Royal Silk Business Class seats will feature at the front, offering a lie-flat staggered configuration. The Throne style seats provide privacy, while also offering extra space for belongings, legs, and comfort. Economy class sees the latest next-generation Recaro seats, which offer improved ergonomics, personal IFE screens, and adjustable headrests. Additional attributes of the new cabin include larger Airspace XL overhead storage bins and USB charging ports throughout the aircraft.
Thai Airways (officially Thai Airways International plc) is the flag carrier of Thailand, and was formed in 1961 through a joint venture with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and the Thai Airways company. The airline is a founding member of the world’s largest airline alliance, Star Alliance, and operates a robust network of domestic and international flights from its Bangkok (BKK) hub. Focus cities for the airline include Phuket and Chang Mai.
The airline currently operates a fleet of around 80 aircraft, serving 51 international and 10 domestic destinations. The airline plans to boost its fleet by up to 143 aircraft by the end of the decade. Aircraft currently operating in the airline’s fleet include the A320-200, A330-300, A350-900, Boeing 777-200ER, 777-300ER, 787-8, and 787-9. Aircraft on order include the A321neom 787-9 and 787-10.
