Thai Airways International (TG, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi) has signed two A321neo lease deals in the past week, the first for nine aircraft from CALC, the second for five aircraft from BOC Aviation. They are the latest in a series of such deals the carrier has signed to support its planned fleet growth.
Hong Kong International-based CALC says its deal is the first time it has worked with Thai Airways, adding in an April 22 statement: "The partnership also reflects CALC’s continued efforts to grow its customer base in the Asia-Pacific region, aligning with its long-term strategy of working with top-tier operators across emerging and established markets."
In contrast, BOC Aviation has history with Thai Airways and, according to ch-aviation fleets data, is presently leasing the carrier three B777-300ERs. “We are pleased to be working once more with long-time customer Thai Airways,” said BOC Aviation CEO Steven Townend.
Thai Airways has thirty-two A321-200Ns on order and currently expects deliveries to start later this year. Its recent 2024 investor roadshow revealed that Thai intends to grow from its present 79 aircraft to 143 aircraft by 2027.
CALC presently holds a single A321-200N and twenty A321-200NX in its portfolio but has forty-four A321-200Ns plus twelve A321-200NX on order. The lessor says it will deliver the Thai Airways aircraft in phases from 2026 to 2028.
BOC Aviation holds five A321-200N, twenty-two A321-200NX, and four A321-200NX(LR)s in its portfolio. Its A321neo Family orderbook at Airbus comprises 108 A321-200N, ten A321-200NX, and ten A321-200NY(XLR)s.
BOC declined to say when it would deliver the aircraft to Thai Airways, other than confirming that it would not be this year. A spokesperson said the aircraft are placements and would be sourced from its orderbook.
