Thai Airways Installs Royal Silk Business Class Seats on A320s

Thai Airways has announced a series of upgrades and expansions as part of its ongoing rehabilitation plan. The airline confirmed installing Royal Silk business class recliners in a 2-2 configuration on its Airbus A320 aircraft inherited from Thai Smile.

These aircraft, the first narrowbody aircraft in Thai Airways’ fleet in decades, are deployed on the carrier’s domestic routes and select regional destinations. The decision to upgrade the seating configuration comes after the airline folded the Thai Smile subsidiary into its mainline operation and took over Thai Smile’s A320 aircraft. Initially, Thai Airways retained Thai Smile’s ‘premium’ cabin on the aircraft, which meant a 3-3 configuration with a blocked middle seat in Royal Silk. However, this proved unpopular with passengers.

In addition to the seating upgrade, Thai Airways continues its rapid expansion in line with its rehabilitation plan. This includes adding three more new-technology Airbus A350-900 aircraft in the first quarter. The flag carrier recently committed to a firm order for 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, plus 35 options, and it also signed leasing agreements for additional A350-900s, 787-9s and its first A321 neo aircraft.

Thai Airways also announced changes to its flight schedule for the summer of 2024. The airline plans to increase the frequency of flights to Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo, Kunming, Chengdu, and Phuket. It will also resume flights to Perth and Colombo from 31 March to Milan and Oslo from 1 July.

The Bangkok-based airline further confirmed its plans to launch a new route to Kochi, India. India ranks among Thailand’s ‘Top 5’ inbound tourism markets, along with China and Russia. Thailand recently signed an agreement with China and Russia to permit longer stays of up to 90 days to boost tourism, while Indians currently enjoy visa exemption.

These changes reflect Thai Airways’ commitment to enhancing passenger comfort and expanding its global footprint as it continues to navigate its way through its financial rehabilitation plan.