Thai Airways has historically struggled with fleet and product consistency. That’s largely because the airline has lacked a long term strategy due to constant financial issues, and that has made it tough to actually invest in the passenger experience.
Continue reading: New Thai Airways Business Class Debuts Mid-2027, Coming To 777, 787, A350
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Thai has also announced that it will retrofit its A350s starting in 2028. This was announced a while back but my guess is its not getting much publicity as its still a while off and will begin after the 787s and 777s are flying with the new product, I believe the intention is to have the same product as the 787s and 777s on them as well
Ben writes:
“When you fly with the airline, you really don’t know what you’re going to get”.
It has been my experience that the statement is so true …. as far as the aircraft type which turns up to the gate for your particular flight is concerned. The inflight experience, we have found to be most reliable due to the efficiency of the FA’s and consistency of the food and beverage. We would probably have flown Thai more often and further in the past, had one been certain of which aircraft would roll up.
Lucky, I know you just went to Thailand, but maybe try to do one final trip report on Thai’s first class, kind of like a good-bye to it?
It would have been so nice if Thai would have come up with a top-end First Class product. They are perhaps the airline with the most upward potentials (in a positive sense) when it comes to quality. They have proven on many occasions that they can deliver to a very high service standard, and they have a valuable and iconic brand, with a decent hub that could expand way beyond its current status.
Obviously I get their economic thinking here though. First class is not easy to run profitably, and they already struggle economically. I'm hoping for them to really succeed, though. It's one of the more underrated airlines out there.
Good choice in the new seats (though, the existing ones are quite nice already). "Thai Airways plans to eliminate first class"... there aren't too many airlines keeping a designated true First; so many opting for just Business.
"the aircraft type which turns up to the gate" ... 100%
Last-minute aircraft swaps, especially on certain airlines (*cough* Qatar *cough*) are a major disappointment. (When you pay for Q-Suite, getting 2-2-2 old cabin is pretty bad.)
Hopefully, Thai will become more consistent after these upgrades.
I look forward to seeing how they select colors and materials to make it distinctly Thai.
Lucky, over the past week or so most of your links to the articles are generating a Not Secure connection warning due to not supporting HTPSS and advising not to go there.
Keep up the great work, I’ve been enjoying your blog for years.
No need to post this, I just wanted to let you know.
I wish they made these seats with higher shell to make them more private.
The Delta seats look so ordinary.
@BBT
You comment will force Tim Dunn to come out of wherever he is just to inform us that Delta is the best
Somebody is up early heh, unless of course you're on the other side 😉
The colours are more toned down from years past where it was bright and colourful.
You have to appreciate them striving for consistency which only a handful of airlines are known for.
Nice upgrade. Tried their existing J product on a350, and their 'new' recliners on a320 (like Ben reviewed here: https://onemileatatime.com/reviews/thai-airways-business-class-a320/)
I realize this sounds ridiculous, but what is it with purple seats/accents being so vastly more eye appealing than any other color? Maybe I'm just a Phoenician at heart? 😉
nice to hear. I have always been a fan. Maybe some stability and clear skies and the staff will get the sense that maybe we can go somewhere. SERVICE they certainly know how, a little PRIDE. Good Luck
Crazy flying in and out of Bangkok in late 2022 and seeing so many Thai airways planes parked on the tarmac. Engines covered. Paint fading. A380s. 747s etc.
I wish them the best.
So...many of those aircraft were still there when I transited BKK earlier this year. *gulp*
Dude, what's with all the "*gulp*" "*cough*" nonsense?
This isn't online Dungeons and Dragons
I’ve been a fan of their purple cabins, it’s just so distinct. But the deeper toned down purple looks gorgeous. I’m happy to see they’re keeping the 777-300ERs!
Not shocked about the transition to 3-4-3 in Y. I recently flew on one of BR’s 9 abreast 777s and the difference was beyond noticeable. Dare I say more comfortable than some PE products.
Is it just me or do the shape and color of the Thai seats look like uh... eggplant emojis when they're used in the phallic way
Ben, you got this all wrong.
"That’s largely because the airline has lacked a long term strategy due to constant financial issues,"
You already know why they have only 3 planes with F.
They had all the strategies. But they also had to follow outside "influencers". They also have "Special Air Mission" to fulfil.
A new Delta LAX press release just dropped for you to rant about.