Thai Airways Unveils Luxe New Business Class
For years, Thai Airways has been like that friend who promises to start hitting the gym but never quite commits. Why? A lack of strategy thanks to a chronic case of financial woes. As a result, providing a top-notch passenger experience has been a bit like trying to get blood from a stone.
Recently, though, they’ve been in ‘rehab mode’, trying to whip themselves back into shape. And just when you thought they were going to hit the snooze button again, the airline’s CEO has dropped some juicy tidbits on their comeback plans, as seen in an interview with a well-known aviation magazine.
Thai Airways Gets Ready to Jazz Up the 777 & 787 Business Class
Now, Thai Airways is gearing up to give its business class a much-needed facelift, but hold onto your hats—it’s going to take a while. They’re going to upgrade 44 wide-body aircraft, including 14 out of 17 Boeing 777-300ERs, as well as 30 of the shiny new Boeing 787-9s and 787-10s.
An Overhaul for the Jets, But First-Class Stays
Those new Boeing 777-300ERs decked out with first-class? They’re keeping them just as they are. Only three jets get to enjoy the fancy first-class life, so consider yourself lucky if you nab a seat on them.
The rest of the 777s will undergo a makeover, along with the new Boeing 787s. But don’t start packing your bags yet—the first Dreamliner isn’t joining the fleet anytime before 2027.
What Exactly is the New Business Class?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Expect reverse herringbone seats with swanky privacy doors. Plus, there’s a ‘front row’ suite setup that’s become all the rage these days. The next upgrade? You can wave goodbye to nine-abreast seating on the 777s because hello, 10-abreast! Oh, joy.
- Reverse Herringbone Seats: Yes, with privacy doors.
- Front Row Suite: More room, more comfort, and yes, more luxury.
Rumor has it, the Collins Aerospace Elements seat or the never-before-seen Thompson Aero VantageNOVA could make the debut. Collins is the go-to for a top-of-the-line experience, while Thompson Aero could surprise us.
The Airbus A321neo Gets a Sleeping Bag
Enter the Airbus A321neo, Thai Airways’ versatile new toy. With 32 of these bad boys on order, they’re supposed to land in their hangars by late 2025. This fills a gap for Thai Airways, which is like your favorite old pair of jeans finally getting patched up.
Bye-Bye Recliners, Hello Flat Beds!
Gone will be the days of subpar recliners on A320s. The new A321neos will flaunt 16 Thompson Aero Vantage business class seats, set up in a snazzy 2-2 and 1-1 layout. Five entire rows of comfort, thanks to our friends at Thompson Aero.
Though this isn’t the Rolls-Royce of business class experiences, it beats the existing narrow body jets, hands down.
The Bottom Line
Thai Airways is finally cooking up something special for those premium cabins. Most 777s and future 787s will feature the latest comfy business class suite with reverse herringbone seats and privacy doors.
The A321neo will also sport flatbed seats in a staggered configuration, which is a vast improvement.
It’s all sunshine and rainbows with Thai Airways’ new aspirations. The key question? How quickly can they roll out these changes for their wide-body fleet? At least they’re finally showing some initiative with their passenger experience strategy.
What do you think about Thai Airways’ makeover plans? While you’re at it, have a look at the Val Seny ski resort. It’s a treat!