AerCap Holdings has delivered the first of ten new Airbus A321neo aircraft to Thai Airways. The remaining nine aircraft are scheduled to be delivered through 2028.
Chai Eamsiri, CEO of Thai airways, said the arrival of the first A321neo on lease from AerCap marks an important step in the airline’s fleet modernisation programme.
"Equipped with advanced, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible technologies, the A321neo delivers meaningful reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions,” he said.
“These improvements underscore Thai's unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible operations, while delivering greater value and reliability to our passengers."
Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap, said the transaction strengthens the lessor's relationship with its “long-standing” customer Thai Airways.
"Our relationship with Thai began in the mid-1990s with the lease of Airbus A330-300s and Boeing 737-400s,” he said.
“Since then, we have supported their evolution through periods of transformation, and today we celebrate a revitalised, financially robust airline.”
In June 2025, Thai Airways exited a four-year debt restructuring programme, following court approval.
Conditional on capital increases and operational improvements, the restructuring has delivered profits and a return to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in August 2025.