Thai’s latest A350 business class is a blast from the past
At least the old school business class seats in this pre-loved A350 have plenty of leg room…
By David Flynn, November 16 2023
Business class passengers stepping on board the latest addition to Thai Airways’ long-range fleet will be in for a surprise.
Well, that in itself is nothing new: the Star Alliance member has a reputation among frequent flyers of swapping aircraft on routes, let alone having a wide variety of seats at any one time.
As Forrest Gump might say, flying with Thai Airways is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get.
With that established, we present the newest Airbus A350 to roll into the hangars at Bangkok.
Thai Airways' latest Airbus A350 features Star Alliance livery.
Proudly carrying the Star Alliance logo and named for Thailand’s popular mountain city of Chiang Mai, this A350 balances its modern look with a rather ‘retro' business class cabin.
Business class in Thai Airways' latest A350.
Yes, those are side-by-side seats in a 2-2-2 layout.
Business class in Thai Airways' latest A350.
At least they convert into a fully lie-flat bed, and the more open design provides ample room for your legs and feet compared to today’s trend towards business class seats with enclosed ‘foot nooks’.
The reason for this throwback is the jet’s heritage: it was originally destined for LATAM, which after filling for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2020, decided to trim both its costs and its fleet by letting go of all 11 Airbus A350s.
The original LATAM A350 business class.
This particular one made its way into the hands of Thai Airways, which has had LATAM’s business class de-branded and redressed from the original and quite elegant finish.
The original LATAM A350 business class.
LATAM’s A350 cabins were developed by Priestmangoode and these photos from the launch show how even a ‘dated’ business class design can sport a bit of first class panache.
31 Dec 2014
Total posts 46
I, and my size 15's, like this style and hate the cubby hole concept.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 Feb 2015
Total posts 124
I think you shouldn’t be so snooty over J seats, there is nothing wrong with this seat, it comfortable and most anyone can need or want. And I’m sure will be positioned at a much more reasonable price than the totally unnecessary sliding door seats which should really be left for First and the extra wealthy
QFF
17 May 2017
Total posts 12
Fancy that - couples can actually get a window seat again, expect they will be served as a couple (as on same aisle), and no cramped foot wells - all good, should be more of it.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Jan 2018
Total posts 717
I'd find it ever so slightly amusing if on long haul flights the 'House Champaign' was something akin to Krug. That would complete the 'retro' aesthetic. Ultimately, its the quality of cabin service from the crew that will leave the most lasting impression. I think Thai will have that running near or at perfection.
Etihad - Etihad Guest
21 Jul 2019
Total posts 166
Okay, so the 2-2-2 configuration seems dated. But with all that glorious space, I'd be the last person to knock this seat. It's excellent, and I'd have no problem flying this 'retro' seat anytime, anyplace.
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