What to expect from Thai Airways’ 777, A350 new business class

Thai Airways is the latest airline to axe first class in favour of a vastly upgraded business class experience – and the new Royal Silk suites could be revealed this week, at the annual Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.

Although only three Thai Boeing 777 jets now contain a first class cabin, this is being sacrificed as the Star Alliance member rolls out new business class suites across its long-range fleet, including Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 jets.

“This seat upgrade plan ensures all Thai Airways aircraft offer consistent, standardised products across the fleet,” airline CEO Chai Eamsiri has previously confirmed.

Row 1 of the new business class cabins will be graced by four ‘business plus’ suites, along similar lines to what we’ve already seen from the likes of Air New Zealand, Lufthansa, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.

“Major international airlines have already abolished first class and left business class as the top tier,” Eamsiri said.

“This first row will be business class plus. More legroom, longer beds, bigger screens – it’s about giving the passengers a choice.”

The 'business plus' row 1 option for Thompson's Vantage XL business class.

One obvious contender for Thai’s next-gen business class is the Vantage XL family from Thompson Aero Seating, which pioneered the ‘business plus’ concept to great success across the airline industry.

Passengers in these row 1 Royal Silk suites would enjoy perks like a substantially larger video screen – up to 32", compared to a standard 19–24" across the rest of the premium cabin – along with companion seating to share a meal or a game of cards and, overall, increased personal space.

The 'business plus' row 1 option for Thompson's Vantage XL business class.

While the dining and drinks service may or may not get an uplift, Thai would charge a premium above standard business class fares for these deluxe berths.

As to the rest of the Royal Silk business class cabin, Eamsiri has previously confirmed these “state-of-the-art” suites will include sliding privacy doors and 24” screens.

Other mod cons are expected to include Bluetooth audio streaming plus wireless charging and USB-C power outlets.

Thompson's Vantage XL business class is a front-runner for Thai Airways.

Premium economy will also become a standard part of Thai’s offering on twin-aisle jets, aimed at travellers seeking a comfortable value-minded upgrade from economy without the expense of business class.

However, these won’t be the lie-flat premium economy beds which now adorn several Thai Airbus A330s previously flown by Virgin Atlantic, which Thai calls Premium Economy Plus and is actually the outdated business class of Virgin.

Thai Airways' oddball Premium Economy Plus is Virgin Atlantic's old business class.

Read more: Thai Airways rolls out flatbeds in premium economy

The new twin-aisle business class suites will complement the lie-flat regional business class on Thai’s new Airbus A321neo jets and underpin the airline’s push for a larger slice of the regional business class market.

“In the past, we didn’t have a business class to capture regional markets,” Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri told Airways.

Thai Airways' A321neo business class.

“Now, it will be a single product from the original to the destination,” he elaborates, with passengers able to enjoy flatbed comfort as they transfer between short- and long-range flights.”

“That will give the customer more satisfaction with our new product and increase our revenue by capturing those markets.”

Also read: Thai Airways rolls out strict new luggage rules