Thai Airways’ new business class takes off

Thai Airways is adding flatbed comfort to regional business class flights with this week’s launch of its new Airbus A321neo fleet.

The first of 32 factory-fresh jets will make its debut on Thursday January 22 on key routes from Bangkok to Singapore, Delhi and Phuket.

Hong Kong and the Laotian capital of Vientiane will follow from February 16, and as more A321neo jets arrive they’ll continue to blanket short- and medium-range routes of anywhere from 1–5 hours.

Thai Airways' first Airbus A321neo.

Travellers in Thai’s A321neo Royal Silk business class will enjoy an elevated experience which the airline terms “reimagined comfort” – the centrepiece of course being a flatbed seat based on the popular Vantage platform from Thompson Aero Seating.

Thai Airways' A321neo business class.

The Vantage series has proven highly popular for single-aisle jets – including the premium cabins of Singapore Airlines, Aer Lingus, Flydubai, JetBlue and SAS – and it underpins Thai Airways’ push to claim 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.”

Thompson says the Thai A321neos will have “the latest generation Vantage, specifically optimised for the A321neo cabin (and) fully customised for Thai to enhance passenger comfort and personal space.”

Thai Airways' A321neo business class.

Each of the 16 Vantage seats in Thai’s A321neo Royal Silk business class cabin converts to a bed – although due to the unique staggered layout, not every passenger has direct access to the aisle.

The cabin’s five rows alternate between a 2-2 and 1-1 configuration, and those solo ‘throne’ seats will be the prize pick for most travellers due to their neighbour-free status and expansive personal space, whiuch includes a wide bench at both sides of the seat.

Thai Airways' A321neo business class.

Behind the curtain are 175 modest economy recliners (supplied by stalwart Recaro).

Thai Airways' A321neo economy class.

Thai Airways' A321neo economy class.

From tip to tail, A321neo passengers will enjoy large video screens, upsized overhead luggage bins, USB-C power outlets and inflight Wi-Fi.

Thai Airways' A321neo economy class.

Thai Airways' A321neo economy class.

Thai is also planning next-generation Boeing 777 and 787 business class suites with “privacy doors” and 24” screens.

However, the Star Alliance member is stepping back from first class, saying those aircraft “will not include a dedicated first class cabin.”

In its place will be a row of ‘business plus’ suites at the front of the cabin, providing additional space and features to “offer an experience close to first class.”

Read more: Thai Airways scraps first class