THAI AIRWAYS: To re-launch Premium Economy?

Everything old is new again. Thai Airways has a reputation for having the most diverse fleet around. Different aircraft, with different seats, and a habit of plane substitution at the last minute. Thai used to have Premium Economy on some of its Boeing 777s and Airbus A340s, and it was set to be installed onto their A380s before they decided to get rid of those.

With a rise in demand for premium travel, Star Alliance member Thai has put Premium Economy back on their ‘to-do’ list.

Even long-time Premium Economy denier Emirates is now installing this cabin on its aircraft. Other airlines are increasing their Premium Economy seat count, too. Cathay Pacific, on its renovated 777s, is increasing from 32 to 48 Premium Economy seats.

Premium Economy – which aircraft – which seat

According to Thai Airways CEO Chai Eiamsiri, the plan announced last week at the ‘Fly for the New Pride’ event is to target the refreshed Boeing 777-300 fleet. This will be part of a nose cone-to-tail refurb, including the re-introduction of Premium Economy and upgrades to First, Business, and Economy cabins.

Speculation is that for Business Class, it will use the seats currently installed on the Thai Boeing 787 fleet. A modified off-the-shelf First Class product is likely. Thai Airways is under a court ordered rehabilitation plan, so profligacy is not permitted.

Thai has ordered 45 new 787-9s, which will arrive over ten years from 2027. If the 777s were decked out in a similar seat, that would lead to some uniformity across the fleet—something that Thai has sadly been lacking. However, the to-be-delivered 787-9s will likely come with doors, now the industry standard Business Class suite.

Expect an overhaul of its entertainment system and the addition of modern amenities like in-seat wireless charging and USB-C points.

Thai’s future

Thai reported that it would meet targets in its capital restructuring program by the end of 2024In its latest financial reports released in August, . Release from the court-ordered Business Rehabilitation plan would then occur in the second quarter of 2025.

2PAXfly Takeout

Priced right, and with the famous Thai service, Premium Economy could be a very desirable way to travel to Bangkok. Give me a daytime flight between Sydney and Bangkok, and I would enjoy Premium Economy at the right price.

Thai used to be one of my favourite airlines. I haven’t flown with them for 10 or so years until this year, when I sampled their A350 service. I’m not a big fan of their Business Class seat. Especially when compared with Oman Air—which was who we flew with on other legs. But Thai service and catering are still standout products, not often rivalled.