Thai Airways just confirmed it will eliminate its First Class cabins and shift to a fleet-wide three-class model: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. As Thai continues to rebuild, the changes are being cast a necessity in a changing premium market. But for those of us who have enjoyed First Class on Thai over the years, the change means letting go of one of aviation’s most luxurious experiences, at least historically speaking.
Goodbye First Class: Thai Airways Phases Out Royal First For A More Premium Business Class
“Major international airlines have already abolished First Class and left Business Class as the top tier,” said Chai Eamsiri, CEO of Thai Airways. Thai’s plan includes fleet modernization, new Business Class seats with enhanced comfort, and special front-row Business seats meant to offer service similar to first class. Caviar has already been introduced in Business Class, and other soft product improvements are coming.
What Thai Airways’ Rebound Plan Entails
- Thai will standardize its cabin classes across its widebody fleet to three classes: Business, Premium Economy, Economy. First Class will be discontinued.
- Front-row Business Class will offer more space and amenities, including privacy doors, enhanced dining, and in-seat luxury closer to what First Class used to offer.
- Fleet refurbishments include upgrades to Business Class seats in 14 Boeing 777-300ERs, and rollout of new Business Class features in upcoming A321neo and other aircraft.
- Introduction of caviar service in Business Class as part of the premium upgrades (already available on flights from Bangkok to Europe).
My Memories Of Thai First Class Over The Years
I’ll miss Thai’s Royal First, not just for the seats or the amenities, but for the moments. Every trip in Thai First left a favorable impression. Below are links to my reviews, which show what’s being lost, even as I look forward to the improved business class experience. I’ve never had a bad flight on Thai in terms of service…it has universally been lovely and the first class spa in Bangkok was perhaps my favorite amenity of any first class lounge. I’ll miss those golf cart transfers as well.
- Thai Airways “Vintage” 747-400 First Class Review | Bangkok to Beijing
- Thai Airways A380-800 First Class Review | Osaka to Bangkok
- The Thai First Class Royal Orchid Spa At BKK Review
- Thai Airways First Class Lounge BKK Review
- Thai Airways 747-400 First Class Review | Tokyo to Beijing
CONCLUSION
Thai Airways is making a bold choice: sunset Royal First in favor of elevated Business Class. For those like me who cherished First’s luxuries, there will be nostalgia. But Thai’s plan also has potential: if “Business Plus” delivers what it promises, passengers can still expect comfort, fine dining, and exclusivity, just under a different label. Maybe Thai will even re-open the Royal Orchid Spa…and like many things in Thailand, maybe the plan to scrap first class will be overruled by royal decree…
Hat Tip: The Bulkhead Seat
Will they abandon their first class lounge in BKK or just convert it to a business class lounge?
No idea, but I think there is value-add for re-opening the spa if they want to offer a leading business-class product…labor is cheap in Thailand. I see it as a logical cost outlay.
Honestly it makes sense – based on the market they should also move to 10-abreast on the 77W IMO.
For years TG (along with MH and GA) have attempted to position themselves akin to SQ, largely for national prestige reasons. The reality is that the respective local markets aren’t high-yielding enough.
Glad TG woke up and finally smelt the flowers.
True story. A first class cabin has to pull its considerable weight. If your product has stopped selling for cash and is full of redemptions, upgrades, and industry discount travelers, it’s time to pull the plug. It’s a shame, because it really wasn’t a bad product.
Yeah but way back in the day TG actually was a top tier Asian airline. It’s like Korean Air now. Decent but could be better.
Top tier, yes, but again, Thailand doesn’t have a high-yielding local market to support such a carrier.
Notning to do with that. Was referring the quality of the airline itself.
Did you fly Thai F when meals were cooked to order, seats were purple velour and the FA would kneel before every interaction?
A Fond Farewell for First for the ” Flying Phallis ” ….