Thai Airways to Eliminate First Class in 2-3 Years, Strengthen Business Class Offerings
Carrier plans to standardize fleet into three classes—Business, Premium Economy, Economy—and remove First Class cabins by around 2027
Thai Airways has confirmed that it will phase out its First Class cabins entirely over the next two to three years.
The airline’s product overhaul will standardize its seating configuration to three cabin classes: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy.
Only a few Boeing 777-300ERs currently still offer First Class, primarily on long-haul routes such as Bangkok-London and Bangkok-Tokyo Narita.
These suites will be gradually removed and replaced with upgraded Business Class seats intended to deliver an elevated experience—some with enhanced privacy and amenities comparable to traditional First Class.
Thai Airways has 45 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on order, due from 2028 onward, all of which will lack First Class accommodations.
In addition, the carrier plans to retrofit its existing wide‐body fleet—including its 777-300ERs—with new Business Class products, while also reintroducing Premium Economy across various aircraft.
The shift reflects broader global trends in the airline industry as well as Thai Airways’ drive for consistency, cost efficiency, and alignment with passenger demand.
CEO Chai Eamsiri has stated that the changes are part of the airline’s modernization and repositioning strategy following its exit from restructuring.
Passengers who currently fly in First Class are encouraged to rebook in Business or seek enhanced Business-tier offerings, as First Class service will be phased out on all routes in line with the fleet transformation timetable announced by the carrier.
The airline’s product overhaul will standardize its seating configuration to three cabin classes: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy.
Only a few Boeing 777-300ERs currently still offer First Class, primarily on long-haul routes such as Bangkok-London and Bangkok-Tokyo Narita.
These suites will be gradually removed and replaced with upgraded Business Class seats intended to deliver an elevated experience—some with enhanced privacy and amenities comparable to traditional First Class.
Thai Airways has 45 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on order, due from 2028 onward, all of which will lack First Class accommodations.
In addition, the carrier plans to retrofit its existing wide‐body fleet—including its 777-300ERs—with new Business Class products, while also reintroducing Premium Economy across various aircraft.
The shift reflects broader global trends in the airline industry as well as Thai Airways’ drive for consistency, cost efficiency, and alignment with passenger demand.
CEO Chai Eamsiri has stated that the changes are part of the airline’s modernization and repositioning strategy following its exit from restructuring.
Passengers who currently fly in First Class are encouraged to rebook in Business or seek enhanced Business-tier offerings, as First Class service will be phased out on all routes in line with the fleet transformation timetable announced by the carrier.
