Thai Airways International vs Asiana Airlines

Overview

Thai Airways International is the flag carrier of Thailand. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in 1960 as a joint venture with Scandinavian Airlines and began operating in its current form in 1988 after merging with Thai Airways Company. The Ministry of Finance holds 42.94% of the shares, and the airline is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its headquarters are in Chatuchak, Bangkok. Thai is a founding member of Star Alliance. Its regional subsidiary Thai Smile was merged back into the mainline carrier from 2023.

Network and hubs

The main hub is Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. As of January 2026 the airline served 51 international and 9 domestic destinations in 29 countries, with a network focused on Europe, Asia and Oceania. A return to North America is under discussion, according to Aviation A2Z (July 2026).

Fleet

Wikipedia lists a fleet of 80 aircraft as of January 2026, with a large order book (see the fleet page). In July 2026 Aviation A2Z reported a Boeing 787 fleet of 45 aircraft, including those on order. TTG Asia (25 September 2026) reports that long-haul flying will rely on the Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 787 family as older wide-bodies retire. It also reports that the Airbus A321neo fleet will grow from nine to 15 by the end of 2026, with a target of 32. The fleet is to be streamlined to four types, with a cabin overhaul planned for 2027.

On board

• Cabins: Royal Silk (business), Premium Economy and Economy, depending on aircraft. Royal First is listed in some baggage tables.
• Meals: Thai and international dishes, which vary by route and month. Pre-selection is available up to 72 hours before departure.
• Seat pitch, entertainment and Wi-Fi: not confirmed in the sources reviewed, and these vary by aircraft. Check the airline before booking.

Good to know

• Cabin baggage: Thai's official page allows one hand-carry bag of up to 7 kg.
• Checked baggage: third-party sources such as HappyFares report a piece-based allowance for tickets issued from 25 November 2025 for travel from 2 March 2026. Economy Saver and Standard include 1 x 23 kg, and Royal Silk includes 2 x 32 kg. Older tickets keep the weight-based allowance. Check the official site for your fare.
• Punctuality: Cirium reported 79.29% on-time arrivals for June 2025.
• Lounges: Royal Orchid and Royal Silk lounges. The loyalty programme is Royal Orchid Plus.

Overview

Asiana Airlines (IATA OZ, ICAO AAR) is a South Korean full-service carrier. According to Wikipedia, it was founded on 17 February 1988 as Seoul Airlines and began operations on 23 December 1988. It is headquartered in Osoe-dong, Gangseo District, Seoul, and is a member of Star Alliance. Korean Air holds 63.9% of the company; Korea Development Bank owned it from 2020 to 2024, and the Kumho Asiana Group before that.

Merger status: Asiana still flies under its own brand. ch-aviation reports that both boards approved a merger agreement on 13 May 2026. Integration is planned for 17 December 2026, when Korean Air will absorb Asiana's assets, liabilities and employees. The Asiana brand is expected to be phased out gradually. Travellers booking beyond that date should check which airline will operate their flight.

Network and hubs

Wikipedia lists Seoul Incheon and Seoul Gimpo as hubs, with Jeju as a focus city. It reports service to about 78 destinations, with international routes across Asia, North America, Europe and Oceania.

Fleet

Wikipedia's fleet table, retrieved in October 2026, shows 67 aircraft in service and 27 on order. The types are:

• Airbus A321-200 and A321neo
• Airbus A330-300
• Airbus A350-900, with deliveries from 2025
• Airbus A380-800 (6 aircraft), due to be retired before 2030
• Boeing 777-200ER

On board

Wikipedia says Asiana offers five classes: First Suite, First, Business Smartium, Business and Travel (economy). First Suite is flown on the A380. Seat layouts and entertainment systems differ by aircraft and route, so check the specific flight. Seat pitch, meal and Wi-Fi details were not confirmed in the sources used.

Good to know

• Baggage allowances, change fees and lounge access were not verified for this profile. Check the airline's website for your fare.
• The loyalty programme is Asiana Club, with five tiers: Silver, Gold, Diamond, Diamond Plus and Platinum. ch-aviation reports that the two airlines are consulting the Korea Fair Trade Commission on merging their frequent-flyer programmes, so mileage rules may change.
• No on-time performance figure was found with a clear source and period.