Thai Airways International vs Wings Air

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

Wings Air operates a comprehensive regional network within Indonesia and its neighboring countries, connecting over 50 destinations with a focus on short-haul domestic and Southeast Asian routes. The airline’s fleet consists primarily of 64 ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, optimized for efficiency on short runway operations and smaller airports.
• Specializes in connecting remote and secondary airports across the Indonesian archipelago.
• Part of the Lion Air Group, benefiting from shared resources and extensive regional connectivity.
• Operates from its primary hub at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta.

Innovation and Milestones

Wings Air has steadily enhanced its operational capabilities and passenger experience through strategic investments and technological upgrades:
• Pioneered turboprop services on narrow runways across Indonesia’s challenging geographic terrain.
• Introduced modern ATR 72-600 aircraft equipped with advanced avionics and improved fuel efficiency.
• Implemented digital ticketing and mobile app solutions to streamline customer bookings and check-ins.
• Consistently improved safety standards in adherence to Indonesian and international aviation regulations.

Customer Experience and Recognition

Wings Air provides a comfortable and reliable travel experience with economy class seating on all flights, tailored for short-haul journeys. The airline emphasizes punctuality and customer service, earning recognition within Indonesia’s domestic market for operational reliability. Complimentary snacks and beverages are offered onboard, and baggage allowance policies align with regional low-cost carrier standards.

Future Outlook

Wings Air plans to expand its regional footprint by increasing flight frequencies and adding new destinations in ASEAN countries. Future goals include fleet modernization with additional ATR 72-600 aircraft and enhancement of digital platforms to improve customer engagement. Sustainability initiatives focusing on fuel efficiency and emission reductions are also being prioritized to ensure greener operations moving forward.