Thai Airways has just formally unveiled its new cabins for wide body aircraft, which will not only be installed on newly delivered aircraft, but also retrofitted on existing aircraft (thanks to ahac824 for flagging this). We knew this announcement was coming, since Thai Airways has been hinting at these plans, but we now have all the details.
Thai Airways has historically really 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.
Fortunately in recent years, things have been improving. The airline has been in rehabilitation as part of a turnaround plan, and that seems to be working. It’s great to see an investment in a more consistent fleet going forward, and hopefully that strategy continues.
New Thai Airways business class launching in 2027
Historically, Thai Airways’ fleet has been all over the place, both in terms of the aircraft it flies, and also in terms of the actual onboard product. When you fly with the airline, you really don’t know what you’re going to get.
At this point, Thai Airways offers first class exclusively on three Boeing 777-300ERs. On most other planes, the airline has business class and economy, but no premium economy (except for some planes taken over by other airlines, where no changes were made to the interiors — this has resulted in some quirks, like the world’s only flat bed premium economy).
Fortunately Thai Airways is planning to greatly streamline its fleet, with a project that will kick off next year:
- Thai Airways plans to retrofit 14 Boeing 777-300ERs with new interiors; this project is expected to take place between the middle of 2027 and the end of 2028
- Thai Airways plans to retrofit 21 Airbus A350-900s with new interiors; this project is expected to take place in 2028 and 2029
- Thai Airways has dozens of Boeing 787-9s and 787-10s on order, which will also be delivered as of early 2028 (starting with the 787-10s), and those will also feature the new cabins
The plan going forward is to eliminate first class completely, and replace that with a “business class plus” concept. Then all these planes will be getting the same new business class product, as well as a premium economy product, along with new economy seats (going from nine to 10 abreast on the 777).
Thai Airways selected the VantageNOVA seat
As its new long haul business class seat, Thai Airways has selected the Thompson Aero VantageNOVA platform. This is the same new business class product Delta will introduce on its Airbus A350-1000s, and those will also be delivered as of 2027.
Thai Airways has released the first pictures of its new cabins. I must say, the carrier’s signature purple colors look sharp with this project. The expectation is that business class seats will have 24″ monitors, while the front row “business class plus” will get 32″ monitors.
For context, below are some pictures of Delta’s planned VantageNOVA seats, which are of course the same concept, just with Delta’s customizations and finishes (but they’re a bit higher resolution, which is why I’m including them).
Since no airline has this product in service yet, it’s hard to say just how high quality it is. If you ask me, this looks like a pretty standard “modern” business class product, not remarkable in any positive or negative way. And it’s a huge upgrade across the board.
Bottom line
Thai Airways has exciting plans for the premium cabins on its aircraft, and we’ll finally start to see more consistency. For most existing 777s and A350s, plus future 787 deliveries, Thai Airways plans to offer reverse herringbone seats with doors, plus a front row business class suite, with rollout starting in 2027.
Thai Airways has opted for the Thompson Aero VantageNOVA platform, the same product Delta is introducing on its new A350s. I look forward to seeing these planes enter service!
What do you make of Thai Airways’ new business class plans?
A new Delta LAX press release just dropped for you to rant about.
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.
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
@Super, it's just you.
A twisted mind is a joy forever :)
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.
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
Still there as of last week, shame.
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
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 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/)
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.
The Delta seats look so ordinary.
Don't you mean 'premium'?? *cough*
@BBT
You comment will force Tim Dunn to come out of wherever he is just to inform us that Delta is the best
I wish they made these seats with higher shell to make them more private.