Picture courtesy of The Bation

 

Thai Airways has announced it will phase out its first-class cabins over the next two to three years. This move is part of a broader restructuring plan aiming to modernise and consolidate its fleet into three classes: business, premium, and economy. The airline is also exploring a new “premium business” offering to provide an upgraded experience for discerning passengers.

 

The airline's decision reflects a wider industry trend as carriers like American Airlines, Oman Air, and Qatar Airways also move away from first-class cabins. The shift is driven by a combination of cost efficiency and changing passenger preferences, with modern business-class seats now offering amenities akin to traditional first-class luxuries. Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri confirmed the changes, emphasising the need to meet evolving global aviation trends and passenger demands.

 

First class has been progressively reduced on Thai Airways, remaining on limited routes such as Bangkok to London and Narita, which will soon be eliminated. The change anticipates a future fleet standardisation, particularly with the delivery of 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliners starting in 2028, all of which will exclude first-class seats.

 

The airline is set to refurbish 14 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in the coming years with state-of-the-art business-class suites and updated premium economy and economy seating. Similar upgrades are planned for the Airbus A350 fleet to boost the long-haul travel experience starting in 2028. This consistency across the fleet aims to streamline operations and appeal to a broader range of passengers.

 

Looking to the future, Thai Airways plans to expand its fleet to 150 aircraft by 2033. This includes integrating 66 Boeing 787s and 52 Airbus A320/A321neos, increasing their aircThe raft capacity will significantly increase from the current 78 aircraft, and they also intend to lease additional wide-body planes. to maintain service levels until the new aircraft arrive.

 

The motive behind scrapping first class stems from several factors. Business class now offers comparable luxuries with lower costs, making it a more attractive option for both passengers and airlines. As the demand for first-class travel diminishes, the airline seeks to reallocate resources towards product lines that promise better returns and market alignment.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thai Airways will phase out first-class cabins and focus on three main classes: business, premium economy, and economy.
• The decision is part of a global shift as modern business class becomes the top-tier service, offering comparable amenities.
• Thai Airways aims to grow its fleet to 150 aircraft by 2033, enhancing service consistency and expanding market share.

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Thai Airways Eyes Global Top 10 Ranking with New Strategies

Thai Airways Soars with 12 Billion Profits in Q2 2025

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-09-22

 

 

I imagine there's one route that will keep it.

6 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

I imagine there's one route that will keep it.

 

Which one ?

"The airline is also exploring a new “premium business” offering to provide an upgraded experience for discerning passengers."

 

To be known as "1st Class but different"

Too bad. It is rather nice...

9 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Surprises me given the ownership of 38 private jets.

Elon Musk?

4 hours ago, tomazbodner said:

Too bad. It is rather nice...

It's very 'boxy'.

TG's First Class gave premium service (well, not that) and decent food but those box seats were antiquated from the start. Premium economy or premium-business with lie-flat beds is the way to travel. Not cattle class.

 

Ah, Singapore or Emirates, those are real first-class & worth the dosh.

25 minutes ago, scorecard said:

It's very 'boxy'.

 

There are 3 777's leased, primarily for the LHR route, that had already had this "box" class seating. 

 

Not so boxy after you sit down. 

Never travelled first class but if business class is anything to go by, the phrase "modern business-class seats now offering amenities akin to traditional first-class luxuries" doesn't (IMO) even apply to TG. Comparing their biz class to other airlines is laughable. They might have some of the same aircraft but the service doesn't come close in my experience.

From what I've heard they only bought First Class back a few years ago after getting rid of it before - I guess it failed.
 

If I am travelling economy and my cervical spondylosis starts hurting will I be upgraded to premium business ?

Oh no, what will cousins uncle to Thai board member do now.

ANA here we come!

On 9/22/2025 at 7:53 AM, edwinchester said:

"The airline is also exploring a new “premium business” offering to provide an upgraded experience for discerning passengers."

 

To be known as "1st Class but different"

Rather a bold statement.

When EVA air retired their 747's that was the end of first class. The newer 777 only have business class, no first.

8 hours ago, VBF said:

Never travelled first class but if business class is anything to go by, the phrase "modern business-class seats now offering amenities akin to traditional first-class luxuries" doesn't (IMO) even apply to TG. Comparing their biz class to other airlines is laughable. They might have some of the same aircraft but the service doesn't come close in my experience.

 

I always find it strange that those who claim broad experience of Thai's inadequate premium amenities still fly with them. I mean if one is really offering criticism based on frequent, recent travel with them, why does one continue to fly with them?

 

Then there's the possibility that one doesn't fly with Thai regularly after all or haven't done so in a long while and the poor ratings are based on ancient history, anecdotal stories or just plain dislike of any and all things from or about Thailand. There's a lot of that last one about, especially on this forum.

58 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Then there's the possibility that one doesn't fly with Thai regularly after all or haven't done so in a long while and the poor ratings are based on ancient history, anecdotal stories or just plain dislike of any and all things from or about Thailand. There's a lot of that last one about, especially on this forum.

 

Indeed, I booked a nice seat with Thai departing within the next week, not my first choice but I wanted an overnight flight - this fits my choice of schedule so I went with Thai. Their late night departure at 00:45 fits the bill perfectly and that's why they got my business. One way, first class.

In order to get an overnight flight on the way back to BKK I had to book with another airline so I chose Lufthansa Business via Munich on the way back. Older plane and no new 'Allegris' option on that flight at this time of the year - also no first class available at all.

So I chose both airlines simply because the flight timings are convenient for me and I like to avoid long layovers in places like Dubai as they happen in the middle of the night and last hours which is a pain. Also they're off route and the flying time is increased on those airlines.

I could have done a return with Thai but I really didn't fancy flying at noon from London and being awake all day long on the long flight.

At least the long haul part with Lufthansa will be overnight and slightly shorter as it's kind of on the way from the UK to Thailand

 

On 9/21/2025 at 8:33 PM, josephbloggs said:

I imagine there's one route that will keep it.

 

You have a vivid imagination. TG only has two routes that offer the First cabin, NRT and LHR.  Frankfurt lost the service some time ago. The F cabin is available only on the B777. As was mentioned in the article, the cabins are being redone. F is being replaced by an upgraded business cabins that will include cubicle doors.The additional cabin room will allow for the addition of a Premium economy section. Economy is going from 9 across  3-3-3 to 10 across 3-4-3. 

 

The Royal Thai Airforce took the TG AB 340 that had the  1st class cabin and uses it for VIP travel. It is supposed to be replaced in 2026

11 hours ago, Jerzy Swirski said:

If I am travelling economy and my cervical spondylosis starts hurting will I be upgraded to premium business ?

 Only if lie-flat seating helps. 

3 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Then there's the possibility that one doesn't fly with Thai regularly after all or haven't done so in a long while and the poor ratings are based on ancient history, anecdotal stories or just plain dislike of any and all things from or about Thailand. There's a lot of that last one about, especially on this forum.

My issues with TG are the time performance and the dirty airplanes. 

1 hour ago, Mike_Hunt said:

My issues with TG are the time performance and the dirty airplanes. 

 

Are you a frequent flier with Thai?

 

The sectors on a single domestic route/time that I used on TG was always on time one one leg, and invariably late on the return. That's 50% on-time in my domestic experience. The international services I used to three regional destinations were always on time, so that's 100% satisfaction. The alternatives are DMK with LCC's that have a never on-time rating and passing through an airport with less to offer apart from a bus ride to connect with BKK (that bit has ALWAYS been on time.

 

I haven't flown their old 777's long haul but I would assume this is where "dirty airplanes" enter the equation? I would prefer to use "grubby" for that description. If you want "dirty", fly Ethiopian or Air Busan.

4 hours ago, NanLaew said:

 

I always find it strange that those who claim broad experience of Thai's inadequate premium amenities still fly with them. I mean if one is really offering criticism based on frequent, recent travel with them, why does one continue to fly with them?

 

Then there's the possibility that one doesn't fly with Thai regularly after all or haven't done so in a long while and the poor ratings are based on ancient history, anecdotal stories or just plain dislike of any and all things from or about Thailand. There's a lot of that last one about, especially on this forum.

Normally I'd  agree, but as you responded to me, @NanLaew I  shall explain that I was FORCED to fly from SUV to LHR on Thai in 2020 at the start of lockdown.

Emirates (with whom I had a ticket) weren't flying so my biz class trip on an Emirates A380 was replaced by a biz class trip on a Thai A380. Same aircraft, same class of travel.

 

So I suggest that my comment  "Comparing their biz class to other airlines is laughable. They might have some of the same aircraft but the service doesn't come close in my experience"  is valid

 

I think 2020 qualifies as fairly recent travel. 

OOI Thai used to be my airline of choice back in the nineties to the point that the miles I earned internationally, were always used up flying from BKK to HKT , but this was the first time I've flown with them in many a year and I have no plans to do so again because of the reasons I have stated..

 

And, in passing, I don't think I display a "dislike of any and all things from or about Thailand"....else I wouldn't be here. Not saying it's faultless, obviously but still love my trips.

 

3 hours ago, ukrules said:

I could have done a return with Thai but I really didn't fancy flying at noon from London and being awake all day long on the long flight.

 

The LH flight from Munich departs at 22:20 (21:20 UK time) and you've got to get there on a 6 across narrowbody with an empty middle seat.

 

TG917, a direct flight from LHR to BKK departs at 21:25 UK time and arrives within an hour of the Munich flight.

 

Given your prefered timing and the fact neither has first class so you would be forced to travel in Business, it seems odd you would choose the Lufthansa option.

14 minutes ago, VBF said:

Normally I'd  agree, but as you responded to me, @NanLaew I  shall explain that I was FORCED to fly from SUV to LHR on Thai in 2020 at the start of lockdown.

Emirates (with whom I had a ticket) weren't flying so my biz class trip on an Emirates A380 was replaced by a biz class trip on a Thai A380. Same aircraft, same class of travel.

 

So I suggest that my comment  "Comparing their biz class to other airlines is laughable. They might have some of the same aircraft but the service doesn't come close in my experience"  is valid

 

I think 2020 qualifies as fairly recent travel. 

OOI Thai used to be my airline of choice back in the nineties to the point that the miles I earned internationally, were always used up flying from BKK to HKT , but this was the first time I've flown with them in many a year and I have no plans to do so again because of the reasons I have stated..

 

And, in passing, I don't think I display a "dislike of any and all things from or about Thailand"....else I wouldn't be here. Not saying it's faultless, obviously but still love my trips.

 

 

Thanks for that. If my rating of TG long haul was based on the non-stop 747 I took at short notice to LHR due to family bereavement, it would probably be on par if not worse than your A380 experience. As you say, sometimes needs must but a one-off flight doesn't colour my overall opinion of their service. Since they serve my UK destinations via some older airports that are lacking in service and features, I use other carriers, especially if they avoid those huge middle east "bus stops." 

 

Similarly, I used to be gold and "front of the bus" with TG through several flights to the US,  Australia and beyond. Because they don't serve my most frequent routes (and Covid hiatus), I dropped to the base level. But, due to a recent surge in domestic and regional activity, I have just scraped into Silver. Just in time as I was thinking of putting my TG point earnings into another Star Alliance airlines slop bucket. I may still do thatvut we'll see how their 'rebirth' goes.

 

I didn't specifically label you as a Thai basher (they know who they are) and like yourself, with certain aspects of life here, one just has to take it in stride.

1 minute ago, NanLaew said:

 

Thanks for that. If my rating of TG long haul was based on the non-stop 747 I took at short notice to LHR due to family bereavement, it would probably be on par if not worse than your A380 experience. As you say, sometimes needs must but a one-off flight doesn't colour my overall opinion of their service. Since they serve my UK destinations via some older airports that are lacking in service and features, I use other carriers, especially if they avoid those huge middle east "bus stops." 

 

Similarly, I used to be gold and "front of the bus" with TG through several flights to the US,  Australia and beyond. Because they don't serve my most frequent routes (and Covid hiatus), I dropped to the base level. But, due to a recent surge in domestic and regional activity, I have just scraped into Silver. Just in time as I was thinking of putting my TG point earnings into another Star Alliance airlines slop bucket. I may still do thatvut we'll see how their 'rebirth' goes.

 

I didn't specifically label you as a Thai basher (they know who they are) and like yourself, with certain aspects of life here, one just has to take it in stride.

Fair play - we all have different requirements.

I quite like the stop in Dubai as it happens - I qualify for "assisted passage" and it breaks the journey.  For me, non-stop does not justify the increased fare price.

And, agreeing with you about UK destinations, Emirates offer Gatwick as well as Heathrow which is far better for me.

What with the Limo service, better lounges etc, etc at present I think it's far better VFM.

 

Having said that, I shall monitor the reports about Thai - one can change one's (open) mind if appropriate. 😎

1 hour ago, treetops said:

 

Given your prefered timing and the fact neither has first class so you would be forced to travel in Business, it seems odd you would choose the Lufthansa option.

 

Well yeah but I found a way around that as I am not based in London and it's far easier to get to Birmingham where the Lufthansa out of BHX -> Munich connection has a 90 minute layover - so I'm arriving in the UK at LHR and departing from BHX.

Problem solved. Buy you're right - it's Business only - I'll put up with that for the overnight option. I have things to do the next day - so one night in BKK and then the next day off to the airport (again🙄)  and then back to Cambodia for me for the rest of the year!

 

I did a lot of digging on this one with no expense spared as it is also like someone else mentioned due to a death in the family - one of my parents.

 

Smart move 

It's a good move. I've noticed, for example, that premium economy is usually unavailable on THAI (maybe always unavailable?), at least on regional flights - I was usually trying to book an onward long haul premium economy that included THAI via HKG, and found they didn't have that service. 

WTF, they waited several years for the plane deliveries to ADD 1st class, and now so soon they want to remove it??? The King ask them to add it in, and they did. This airline is still not being managed right, still messy.