Thai Airways sets fleet, cabin overhaul for 2027

Thai Airways International (THAI) will standardise its fleet and overhaul its wide-body cabins, with the first retrofitted aircraft scheduled to enter service in mid-2027.

At the THAI Talk briefing on September 17, 2026, CEO Chai Eamsiri outlined the plans following a second-quarter net profit of 1.54 billion baht (US$46 million) during the traditional low season.

Chai said the airline’s financial position would allow it to invest in its fleet and products, with the fleet being streamlined to four aircraft types to improve management and aircraft deployment.

Longhaul routes will rely on Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 787 family aircraft as older wide-body aircraft are retired. For shorthaul operations, the Airbus A321neo fleet will grow from nine to 15 aircraft by the end of 2026, towards an eventual 32. Six Airbus A330s are being deployed temporarily during the delivery and retrofit period.

THAI will also standardise interiors across its wide-body fleet, which currently comprises 58 aircraft.

“Looking back, our aircraft received in the past rarely underwent interior cabin retrofits. Whatever condition they arrived in on day one remained until they were decommissioned, which made it difficult to stay competitive in the market, due to lack of standardisation across our products. Today, our financial position is strong enough to make these investments,” Chai said.

The new cabin design will feature dark purple tones, ambient lighting and self-service counters offering snacks and drinks.

THAI will replace its dedicated first-class cabins, currently available on three aircraft serving London, Narita and Kansai, with a front-row premium business-class product across its wide-body fleet. Chai said aircraft swaps had previously resulted in downgrades for first-class passengers.

“To solve this, the front row of our new Business Class cabin features an open-space layout without a footwell tunnel, providing spatial comfort similar to First Class,” he said.

The front-row suites will feature sliding privacy doors, electrically operated dividers for travelling companions and 32-inch 4K screens, compared with 24-inch screens in other business-class rows.

A premium economy cabin with around 28 seats and 16-inch screens will also be introduced, while economy class will receive new Recaro seats with updated trims and side panels.

“The first retrofitted aircraft featuring this layout will enter service in mid-2027,” Chai said.

New aircraft deliveries, including Boeing 787s, will come with the standardised interiors installed.