Thai Airways International vs Austrian 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.

Global Network and Operations

Austrian Airlines, the flag carrier of Austria, operates an extensive network connecting Europe with numerous intercontinental destinations. Its primary hub is Vienna International Airport (VIE), facilitating smooth connections across 130 destinations in over 50 countries. The airline's fleet consists of around 80 aircraft including aircraft types such as the Boeing 777, Boeing 767, and the Bombardier Q400, employed both for short-haul European and long-haul intercontinental routes.
• Focus on Central and Eastern Europe with strong presence in Vienna.
• Operates regional subsidiaries like Eurowings Europe on select routes.
• Member of the Star Alliance since 2000, enabling extensive codeshare and alliance benefits.
• Cargo operations complement passenger services, supporting Austria’s logistics needs.

Innovation and Milestones

Austrian Airlines has marked several key milestones in its evolution since its founding in 1957:
• One of the first European carriers to adopt long-range wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 for intercontinental service.
• Pioneered various sustainability initiatives including the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels and modernization of its fleet for greater efficiency.
• Invested in digital transformation enhancing customer online services and innovative in-flight entertainment systems.
• Integration into the Lufthansa Group has strengthened its operational backbone and expanded network reach.

Customer Experience and Recognition

Austrian Airlines prioritizes passenger comfort and service quality across all cabin classes. Offering Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class, the airline equips long-haul flights with lie-flat seats, modern in-flight entertainment, and regional cuisine emphasizing Austrian specialties. It has been recognized for excellent in-flight catering and attentive cabin crew service. Regular awards from Skytrax and other aviation bodies highlight its commitment to safety, punctuality, and customer satisfaction.

Future Outlook

Austrian Airlines plans to expand its presence in the growing Central and Eastern European markets, focusing on sustainable growth and environmental responsibility. Future strategies include fleet renewal with new-generation aircraft, strengthening digital customer engagement, and broadening its global network. The airline aims to increase operational efficiency while maintaining high standards in passenger experience and eco-friendly aviation practices.