Thailand is an important customer base for Airbus in the Asia-Pacific region across the company’s commercial aircraft, defence, space and helicopter product lines. With a local presence that spans over 40 years, Airbus’ footprint in Thailand also extends to a Flight Operations Services Centre and a regional helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility.
Commercial Aircraft
Thai Airways International (THAI) is among the longest standing customers of Airbus, with a relationship dating back to 1977. Today the carrier operates a fleet of Airbus aircraft that includes the A320 family at THAI Smile, the all-new long range A350 and the double-deck A380.
As elsewhere in the region, the A320 Family is the single aisle product line of choice for leisure and low cost airlines in Thailand and is flying today with Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia and Thai Vietjet on a wide range of domestic and regional services
Helicopters
The full line of Airbus helicopters is flying in Thailand today, ranging from the single engine H125 to the heavy lift H225. The aircraft are operated on a wide range of missions in the country on missions such as emergency medical services, search and rescue, VVIP transport, tourism, corporate flights and commercial charters. Major operators include the Royal Thai Police.
In military applications, The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is a key operator of the H225M, deploying the type for combat search and rescue missions. The RTAF also operates H135 light-twin helicopters for pilot training. Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Navy operates the H145M as transport helicopters
Defence
Airbus’ military aircraft have also been in service for more than a decade with the Royal Thai Army, which flies the new-generation C295 light / medium tactical airlifter for parachuting training, cargo and troop transport missions, while the Thai police operate the CN235 medium-range twin-engined transport aircraft for passenger transport.
Space
Airbus has delivered two earth observation satellite systems to Thailand. The first, named THEOS-1, was launched in 2008 and is still in operation delivering high quality imagery.
In June 2018, Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) picked Airbus as its partner for its next-generation geo-information system THEOS-2. The wide-ranging agreement includes two Earth observation satellites, an integrated geo-information system, a ground segment, and a comprehensive local capacity building programme. THEOS-2 is planned for launch in 2023
Industrial Partnerships
Airbus has several operations in Thailand, including a representative office and a helicopter customer centre, both located in Bangkok. In addition to Thailand, the helicopter facility provides support for customers in Laos and Cambodia.
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