Thai Lion Air to pursue more rapid international expansion as A330-300s and 737 MAX 8s are delivered

Thai Lion Air is starting a new phase in its rapid expansion in Nov-2017 as it takes delivery of its first widebody aircraft. An initial fleet of three A330-300s will be used to operate new medium haul routes to North Asia, enabling Thai Lion to reduce its reliance on Thailand's intensely competitive domestic market further.

The international market now accounts for a third of Thai Lion's capacity, compared to less than 6% in early 2016. Thai Lion has cut domestic capacity this year, freeing up aircraft to expand in the international market.

Fleet growth has been relatively modest, with only two aircraft joining the Thai Lion fleet over the past 12 months. However, fleet growth is about to accelerate as three A330s are delivered over the next two months, followed by several 737 MAX 8s in 2018.