Thai Airways to phase out first class as part of cabin overhaul
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Under its restructuring plan, Thai Airways will streamline seating into three main classes: business, premium economy and economy.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
BANGKOK – Thai Airways International has announced it will phase out first-class cabins across all routes, marking a significant strategic shift in line with global aviation trends.
Under its two- or three-year restructuring plan, the airline will streamline seating into three main classes: business, premium economy and economy.
To cater for passengers still seeking an elevated experience, Thai Airways is also considering introducing a new “premium business” section in the front rows of selected aircraft.
Airlines worldwide phase out first class as business cabins rise
The disappearance of first-class cabins is not unique to Thai Airways.
Leading global carriers such as American Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Oman Air, Air New Zealand and Malaysia Airlines have already eliminated their most exclusive seats, making business class the top tier on their fleets.
Even Middle Eastern giants like Emirates and Qatar Airways are now introducing new aircraft designed without first-class cabins, signalling a wider industry shift.
The change is driven not only by cost efficiency, but also by evolving passenger preferences. In particular, today’s new-generation business-class seats are designed to offer a level of luxury and comfort comparable to traditional first class.
Thai Airways to focus on business and premium economy
Thai Airways will restructure its cabin services over the next two or three years, eliminating first class and standardising its fleet with three service tiers: business, premium economy and economy, chief executive Chai Eamsiri has confirmed.
The airline said the move reflects global aviation trends and shifting passenger demand. First class, long regarded as the most luxurious cabin with wide seats, lie-flat beds, premium dining and personalised service, will disappear from Thai Airways’ network.
The carrier has already been gradually reducing its first-class offering, which currently remains on just a few routes, such as Bangkok-London and Bangkok-Narita. These will also be phased out in the near future.
Looking ahead, Thai Airways’ order of 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with the first nine deliveries scheduled in 2028, will arrive without first-class seating.
All aircraft in this order, as well as future acquisitions, will adopt the same three-class configuration, creating a consistent and unified product across the fleet.
Thai Airways to upgrade fleet and expand to 150 aircraft by 2033
Over the next two years, Thai Airways will retrofit 14 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with newly designed business-class suites featuring private doors, alongside refreshed premium economy and economy seating.
The airline will also enhance its Airbus A350 fleet, installing the latest cabin innovations to deliver a more premium long-haul travel experience.
The A350 upgrade programme is scheduled to begin in 2028.
According to Thai Airways, the overall seat reconfiguration plan will ensure standardisation across its entire fleet.
Looking further ahead, Thai Airways aims to expand its fleet to 150 aircraft by 2033, comprising 98 wide-body and 52 narrow-body jets.
The line-up will include 15 Boeing 777-300ERs, 17 Airbus A350s, 66 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and 52 Airbus A320/A321neos.
At present, the carrier operates 78 aircraft – 58 wide-body and 20 narrow-body across six types.
While awaiting delivery of new aircraft, Thai Airways plans to lease an additional eight to 10 wide-body planes for around six years to support long-haul operations between 2027 and 2028. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
