Thai Airways International has entered into a deal to acquire a fleet of 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, plus an option on another 80, with the deal also offering the carrier a route to the new 777X.

The aircraft will be powered by GE Aerospace GEnx engines and delivery is to be spread over 10 years, starting in 2027.

The deal was announced today by THAI CEO Chai Eamsiri on the opening day of the Singapore Air Show. The order also gives THAI the ability to switch its commitment to the in-development 777X, said Chai.

The seamless interchangeability between these Dreamliner models and the 777X offers THAI strategic advantages in optimising routes, capacity and operational efficiency, claimed Chai.

The GEnx engines are much cleaner, which will help THAI achieve zero carbon emissions within 2050, said Chai, adding that the acquisition will bring the utmost benefits to passengers and drive Thailand’s economy.

Brad McMullen, senior vice president for sales and marketing at Boeing, said that THAI’s decision to acquire the Dreamliner is based on the long-term cooperation between the two companies, coupled with THAI’s determination to build a modern, efficient and flexible fleet.

Russell Stokes, President and CEO of Commercial Engines and Services at GE Aerospace, said the company is proud that THAI, among several other leading airlines, has chosen the GEnx engines, which have undergone more than 50 million hours of testing.