“The return of Thai Airways to Rome is definite for 2028, but perhaps even sooner, says the airline’s area sales manager, South Eastern Europe, Mediterranean and Africa, Armando Muccifora.
Sales were up 56% January to August 2025
This is a return that will reward the Italian market, which in 2025 saw Thai Airways achieve significantly positive results for the Milan Malpensa-Bangkok route, and is part of a broader network expansion plan in Europe and Asia. "The Italian market has produced results that I have no hesitation in describing as exceptional. Between January and August 2025, sales were up +56% growth compared to the same period last year, reflecting a strong recovery in demand and a consolidation of our market position.”
The winter season is showing positive signs
“The Milan route had an average load factor of 87%, with around 123,000 passengers carried, exceeding expectations and confirming the success of the direct flight from and to Bangkok and the strength of our network in Southeast Asia. About 45% of Italian passengers fly beyond Bangkok - this year primarily to Bali and Japan. The trend in September and October, as well as that for the winter peak season, is showing very positive signs and a steady increase in demand."
Twice today’s 78 aircraft by 2031
Thai Airways targets for the last quarter of the year “remain highly ambitious. We are aiming for a further increase in cabin factor, thanks to the new features introduced and the increased quality of service, to consolidate growth and further strengthen our leadership position among carriers to Asia” added Muccifora. The investment on the fleet, which supports the expansion of the network, “foresees the doubling by 2031 of the current 78 aircraft in service, as well as the refurbishment of those in operation today”.
New Boeing and Airbus planes to enter into service
Thai Airways has 45 new B787s on order, with an option for a further 35 aircraft, “in addition to the 32 Airbus A321neo, which will progressively enter into service over the next few years. By the end of the year, the renewal of twenty A320s will be completed, while the complete modernization of 14 Boeing 777-300s will begin in 2026.”
