Southeast Asian airlines spend big to cash in on return of travelers

But a pilot shortage threatens resurgence of Thai Airways and others

20240625N Thai Airways

Thai Airways plans to expand its fleet from 70 airplanes at the end of 2023 to 96 by 2033.  © Reuters

KOSUKE INOUE, YUJI NITTA and YUKI FUJITA, Nikkei staff writers

BANGKOK/HANOI/MANILA -- Bouncing back from pandemic-era losses, Thai Airways International and other Southeast Asian carriers are signing big aircraft purchase deals in a race to capture demand as tourists return to the region.

Thai Airways said it is set to complete restructuring by the end of 2024, a year ahead of schedule thanks to improved finances. This will enable the carrier to relist on the Thai stock exchange.

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