THAI AIRWAYS: Short-haul just got a lie-flat upgrade with new A321neo Business Class

Here’s something that’ll make your next hop around Southeast Asia a bit more palatable. Thai Airways, which has been undergoing something of a phoenix-like rebirth lately (yes, there have been wings and flames involved), is adding a fleet of Airbus A321neos to its stable — and they’re not skimping on the pointy end.

A new A321neo Business Class for a new era

Eighteen of the narrow-body jets are on order, and while economy passengers will still get the usual 3-3 arrangement, it’s the front of the cabin where things get interesting. Thai is introducing a bespoke lie-flat business class seat, courtesy of the clever chaps at Thompson Aero Seating.

If you’ve flown JetBlue Mint or certain Aer Lingus or Delta narrow-bodies, you may already be familiar with Thompson’s Vantage configuration. But what Thai is getting is a custom adaptation of the VantageSOLO and VantageDUO seats — tailored for high-density, short-to-medium haul routes, but with full-flat capabilities and aisle access for every passenger (yes, on a single-aisle jet — I know!).

Lie-flat comfort in the sky… on A321neo Business Class

We’re talking a 16-seat cabin in a staggered 2-2 / 1-1 layout. That means some rows will have ‘throne’ seats. They have become a favourite option for solo travellers who want privacy without the awkward elbow-dueling. In alternate rows, couples before or after the flight can sit side-by-side. It’s a smart, efficient use of space without compromising on comfort.

Seat features are nothing to sneeze at either: high-definition in-flight entertainment screens, plenty of personal storage, USB-C charging (finally!), wireless device pairing (your Airpods), and even in-flight Wi-Fi. Think of those throne seats as your own cozy pod in the sky — but on a flight from Bangkok to Singapore rather than all the way to Sydney.

A321neo Business Class part of a bigger transformation

This move isn’t just about new jets — it’s symbolic of Thai Airways turning the page. After filing for bankruptcy protection in 2020, the airline has been steadily clawing its way out of administration with a leaner structure, sharper focus, and a strong push toward fleet modernisation. The A321neo acquisition, along with the new business class, is part of that strategy to rebuild, refresh, and reassert itself as a premium carrier in the region.

2026 sees them on scheduled flights

Thompson Aero has confirmed that design and certification work is already underway, with final seat deliveries expected in late 2025. Thai Airways’ A321neos are scheduled to begin entering the fleet in early 2026, and assuming everything stays on track, we could see these aircraft flying passengers by mid-2026. That’s not too far off in aviation years, where things usually run on a calendar best described as ‘optimistically fluid.’ In short, June next year could turn into October!

2PAXfly Takeout

A decade ago, Thai Airways was beloved by frequent flyers for its charm, service and affordability — and notorious for its inconsistencies. It wasn’t uncommon to book a brand-new A350 and end up on something that felt suspiciously like it had been built when cassette tapes were still a thing. Those days seem to be numbered. Recent flights suggest the airline is back on form: service is sharp, cabins are refreshed, and (crucially) the seats actually go flat.

Will these new A321neos change the game? Maybe not. But they’ll certainly make that short-haul hop through Southeast Asia a whole lot more civilised. Because sometimes, it’s not just about getting there — it’s about getting there horizontally.

So if you’re tired of reclining just a smidge on that two-hour flight between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, relief — and a lie-flat seat — is on the way. Thai Airways is clearly back in the game, especially in the narrow-body battlefield.