Thai Airways International is to lease a batch of Airbus A321neos from next year for its regional network.
The carrier is taking eight of the twinjet type from lessor SMBC Aviation Capital.
According to the Irish-based leasing firm the aircraft will be delivered over the course of 2026-27.
It stats that the jets will be taken from SMBC’s direct order backlog with the airframer.
Airbus’s latest backlog figures show SMBC has 87 A321neos on order, of which 36 have been delivered.
No engine selection has been disclosed, although Thai’s older-generation A320 fleet is fitted with International Aero Engines V2500s.
SMBC Aviation Capital head of airline marketing Conor Stafford says the aircraft will “boost” the carrier’s operational efficiency and “enhance the overall customer experience”.
Thai Airways has newly introduced an upgraded cabin on its A320s, following the absorption of its Thai Smile Airways operation into the mainline carrier.
“This has led to significant improvements in revenue, aircraft utilisation, and the creation of a seamless travel experience for our passengers,” says chief commercial officer Korakot Chatasingha.
Its new layout, intended to improve its product for short-haul routes, includes “spacious seats” – with 12 seats arranged in a four-abreast configuration in the first three rows – as well as wireless in-flight entertainment.
Thai Airways will have all 20 aircraft refitted by the second quarter of this year.
