business class suite for both the Boeing 787 and 777 jets.
Thai Airways is set to unveil its next-generation business class this May, coinciding with the airline’s 65th anniversary and its emergence from five years of bankruptcy-protected restructuring.
The new business class suites will feature privacy doors and 24-inch screens, and will be installed across 44 of the airline’s long-haul Boeing aircraft. This includes 30 brand-new 787 Dreamliners—starting with the 787-10 and rolling out over a ten-year period—as well as 14 existing 777-300ERs.
Passengers can also expect modern amenities such as Bluetooth audio streaming, wireless device charging, and both AC and USB-C power outlets.
However, the Star Alliance member is phasing out first class, confirming that its new aircraft “will not include a dedicated first class cabin.”
Instead, the airline will introduce a front-row ‘Business Plus’ section—enhanced suites offering extra space and upgraded features designed to deliver an experience comparable to first class.
There’s speculation that Thai Airways may be the undisclosed launch customer for Thompson Aero Seating’s Vantage Nova business class, which includes an optional ‘Business Plus’ configuration in the first row.
“Once the upgrades are complete, we’ll have a consistent premium product across 44 wide-body aircraft,” says Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri. He also confirmed that premium economy recliners will become a standard feature on these jets.
Despite the modernization, Thai will continue to offer a dedicated first class cabin on just three of its Boeing 777s. Meanwhile, changes are also coming to the economy section of the 777 fleet. Eamsiri revealed that Thai will transition from a 3-3-3 to a denser 3-4-3 seating layout during the refit.
“We conducted extensive research and found that over 90% of airlines now use a 3-4-3 configuration in economy class,” Eamsiri told Airways magazine. “Thanks to advancements in seating technology, we can improve space efficiency while maintaining comfort. Seat pitch will remain consistent with our current standards.”
New Lie-Flat Business Class for A321neo Fleet
Thai’s upcoming Airbus A321neo aircraft, arriving from November 2025, will debut fully lie-flat business class beds—a first for the airline’s regional single-aisle fleet.
Eamsiri confirmed the seats will be based on Thompson Aero Seating’s popular Vantage platform, also used by Singapore Airlines on its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The design includes the sought-after ‘throne’ seat configuration, offering solo travelers more privacy and personal space.
With the addition of free Wi-Fi and a revamped in-flight entertainment system, Thai aims to elevate the onboard experience and compete more effectively in the regional market.
“In the past, we lacked a true business class product for regional routes,” Eamsiri said. “Now, passengers will enjoy a seamless, flatbed experience from origin to destination, whether it’s a short-haul or long-haul flight. This will enhance customer satisfaction and boost revenue by tapping into previously underserved markets.”