Boeing has been partnering with Thailand on its defense and security needs for almost half a century. In 2022, Boeing was awarded contract by the U.S. Department of Defense as part of a foreign military sale for eight AH-6 light attack reconnaissance helicopters to Thailand. The AH-6 is a highly capable light attack / armed reconnaissance helicopter specifically designed with superior performance characteristics and flexible, easily configurable mission equipment ideal for Light Attack, Precision Attack, Anti-armor, Close Combat Attacks, Reconnaissance, Security & Escort, Troop Insertion/Extraction, Combat Search & Rescue. Thailand is Boeing’s second international customer for the aircraft. Boeing also supports the Royal Thai Navy with the Harpoon anti-ship weapon system, resulting from close cooperation among Boeing, the U.S. Navy and Thailand.
Six Decades of Thai Aviation
Boeing has been a strong partner and advocate of Thailand and its aviation industry for more than 60 years. Boeing’s partnership with Thailand dates back to 1960, when Thai Airways Company, now named Thai Airways International (THAI), launched its first service flights with a Douglas DC-6B from Bangkok to Hong Kong, Taipei and Tokyo.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes in Thailand
Over the years, THAI has ordered more than 75 airplanes from Boeing, including DC-10s, MD-11s, 737s, 747s, 777s and 787 Dreamliners. THAI was a launch customer for the 777 program and was the first airline in Southeast Asia to operate the 777. THAI currently operates more than 50 Boeing airplanes and took delivery of its first 787-9 Dreamliner in September 2017.
In 2011, a 777-200 operated by THAI conducted Asia’s first passenger biofuel flight, underlining the commitment of both Boeing and the airline to advance the use of alternative, sustainable aviation fuel.
In 2014, the Royal Thai Air Force purchased an additional 737-800 Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) to serve as Thailand’s head-of-state aircraft. This is the second 737 to serve in this capacity.
Nok Air, the low-cost, Thailand-based carrier, currently operates more than 20 Next-Generation 737-800s. In May 2014, the low-cost carrier finalized an order for seven Next-Generation 737-800s and eight 737 MAX 8s.
Thai Lion Air, a low-cost carrier part of the Lion Air Group, operates Next-Generation 737-800s and 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplanes.
Boeing Defense, Space & Security in Thailand
Boeing Global Services in Thailand
A growing number of operators – many with Boeing and non-Boeing fleets – benefit from the full-fleet capability of Maintenance Performance Toolbox. Thai Airways, which has been using the product suite for its 777 and 787 airplanes since 2007, added in their non-Boeing fleet in 2018. The airline recently renewed its existing service and expanded the non-Boeing coverage to include their newer fleet types. THAI became one of the first airlines in the world to implement Boeing’s Airplane Health Management (AHM) system, a new-age, analytics-based predictive maintenance system powered by Boeing AnalytX. AHM supports long-term fleet reliability by helping airlines identify recurring faults and trends, and by serving as an early-warning system for potential future challenges.
In 2016, Boeing and Nok Air created a world-class flight-training program to strengthen the capabilities of Nok Air's rapidly expanding flight crew.
Boeing Global Engagement Activities in Thailand
Kenan Foundation Asia
Since 2012, Boeing has been working with Kenan Foundation Asia to provide professional development for teachers and educational material to help improve student learning outcomes. The Boeing-Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) was launched to allow innovative pedagogies that incorporate the use of technology and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum modules for better student learning outcomes. To date, 115 teachers have been trained and more than 1,700 students have benefited from the initiative.
The Dulabhatorn Foundation
Boeing has been a proud supporter of The Dulabhatorn Foundation since 2012. The Dulabhatorn Foundation helps poor children and young people become educated responsible citizens, by helping to assure access to educational facilities through provision of what they need to study: tuition, books, school uniforms shoes, housing, and transport.
World Vision Foundation of Thailand
Boeing is also a staunch supporter of the Early Childhood Development project headed by the World Vision Foundation of Thailand. The project aims to improve the quality of pre-school education of children up to six years old so that they are well prepared to assimilate into primary school. The project has seen much success, with over 550 parents and caregivers enrolled in parenting programs which benefited more than 700 children between the ages 0 and 3 across six districts in Thailand.
DICE Community Engagement
In 2020, Boeing organized a community engagement session with Outdoor School Bangkok, an international outdoor kindergarten and primary school. Boeing employees participated in an interactive sharing session, where they shared their experience in working with airplanes with the kids and talked about the fascinating world of aviation at large.
