Thai Airways is set to unveil its next-generation business class in May, coinciding with the airline’s 65th anniversary and its exit from five years under bankruptcy protection.
The new suites will feature “privacy doors” and 24-inch screens, to be installed on 44 of its long-range Boeing aircraft, which includes 30 brand-new 787 Dreamliners arriving from 2027—starting with the 787-10 model—and 14 current 777-300ERs.
Additional amenities are expected to include Bluetooth audio streaming, wireless device charging, and AC and USB-C power outlets. However, the airline will no longer offer a dedicated first-class cabin, opting instead for a ‘business plus’ suite configuration at the front of the business class cabin, designed to provide a near-first-class experience.
There’s speculation that Thai Airways might be the undisclosed launch customer for Thompson Aero Seating’s Vantage Nova business class, which features an optional ‘business plus’ setup in row 1. Once complete, the airline promises a cohesive product line across all 44 wide-body aircraft, alongside newly introduced premium economy recliners.
The exclusive first class will be retained on three of Thai’s Boeing 777s, but changes in the economy cabin will see a shift from the current 3-3-3 seating arrangement to a denser 3-3-4 layout, aligning with industry standards as highlighted by CEO Chai Eamsiri, who mentioned that over 90% of airlines now adopt this configuration. Thanks to advancements in seating technology, the airline aims to enhance space efficiency while maintaining passenger comfort, with seat pitch remaining consistent.
Additionally, Thai’s upcoming Airbus A321neo jets, set to arrive from November 2025, will feature business class seats that convert into fully flat beds. Eamsiri mentioned that the airline has selected the Vantage platform from Thompson Aero Seating, well-regarded for its ‘throne’ seat design, providing solo travelers with added privacy.
With free WiFi and a new in-flight entertainment system, these enhancements are intended to elevate Thai Airways’ offerings to compete more effectively in the market. Eamsiri remarked on the past absence of a business class product catering to regional markets, stating that this new single product will enhance the travel experience from origin to destination, ultimately boosting customer satisfaction and revenue.
