Thai Airways Signs Lease Agreement with BOC Aviation

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) officially signed a lease agreement with BOC Aviation Limited for five new Airbus A321neo aircraft on May 16 at THAI’s head office.

This agreement cements a 15-year collaboration and enhances THAI’s narrowbody fleet. Both THAI CEO Chai Eamsiri and BOC Aviation’s CEO Steven Townend were present to sign the lease.

The signing event also included witnesses such as:

• Airline Chief Finance and Accounting Officer Cherdchome Therdsteerasukdi
• BOC’s Head of Airline Leasing and Sales in APAC and Middle East Michael-John Burke
• BOC’s Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Timothy Ross
• Senior Vice President for Airline Leasing and Sales in APAC and Middle East Ali Jahanshahi.

What the Agreement Entails

This lease marks a major milestone in THAI’s fleet modernization strategy and is aligned with the airline’s Long-Term Fleet Plan. The new Airbus A321neo aircraft will cater to increased passenger demand and enhance operational capacity, featuring advanced capabilities that support the expansion of short- and medium-haul routes, alongside a commitment to efficiency and environmental sustainability with lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Passengers will experience greater comfort with the aircraft’s contemporary two-class cabin layout, providing an upgraded service similar to that of widebody jets on narrowbody routes.