Thai Airways International vs Indian 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

Indian Airlines, originally established in 1953 and now merged into Air India, operated a vast domestic network along with select international routes primarily across South Asia and the Middle East. Its fleet mainly consisted of aircraft such as the Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737, serving more than 60 destinations within India and abroad. The airline was well known for its focus on domestic air travel, connecting metropolitan cities with tier-2 and tier-3 towns.
• Domestic network covering major and secondary Indian cities.
• International flights to neighboring countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
• Fleet included Airbus A320, A319, Boeing 737, and ATR turboprops.
• Corporate headquarters located in New Delhi, India.

Innovation and Milestones

Indian Airlines was a pioneer in establishing reliable domestic air connectivity in India and introduced several service innovations over the decades.
• One of the first Indian airlines to operate jet aircraft commercially.
• Pioneered regional air connectivity connecting remote areas of India.
• Integrated advanced reservation systems in early 1990s to enhance customer booking experience.
• Merged with Air India in 2007 to form the national carrier Air India Limited.

Customer Experience and Recognition

Indian Airlines offered a straightforward cabin experience typically consisting of Economy Class seating tailored for short to medium haul flights. It was appreciated for dependable service and affordability on domestic routes. While it lacked premium cabins, the airline aimed to provide good value with included meals and friendly staff.

Future Outlook

Although Indian Airlines ceased operations following its merger with Air India, its legacy has influenced the development of domestic aviation in India. The future focus of the merged entity centers on expanding international connectivity, modernizing fleets, and enhancing customer-centric services to compete globally.