BANGKOK- Thai Airways (TG) has confirmed plans to remove its first class service, which is currently offered only on select flights from Bangkok (BKK) to London (LHR) and Tokyo (NRT). The decision marks the end of a long standing product once seen on several aircraft types across the fleet.
The airline is focusing on modernizing its fleet and standardizing premium offerings. As part of this process, Thai Airways will retire its first class cabins and introduce new-generation business-class suites, as well as a “business class plus” product.
Photo: Clément AlloingThai Airways Removes First Class
In the past, Thai Airways (TG) maintained first class on multiple widebody aircraft, including the Airbus A340, Airbus A380, and Boeing 747.
These cabins offered high-end comfort and were occasionally used for royal travel. However, the commercial justification was always uncertain.
Over time, the product was scaled back significantly. Today, first class is limited to 3 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft recently delivered to the fleet.
With such a small subfleet, the airline faces major challenges: limited customer awareness, high costs of maintaining specialized ground services, and inefficiencies in catering and training. Reported by OMAAT, this limited scale ultimately made the product unsustainable.
Photo: Clément AlloingFleet Renewal
Thai Airways is undergoing a wide-ranging fleet renewal program. The carrier has 45 Boeing 787-9 aircraft on order, with deliveries scheduled from 2028.
These aircraft will form the backbone of its long-haul operations. Each will feature an upgraded business class product, designed to compete with global standards.
Instead of first class, these aircraft will offer a “business class plus” option in the first row. This concept, adopted by several international airlines, provides additional space and privacy at a lower cost than maintaining a separate first class cabin.
The strategy ensures a consistent passenger experience across long-haul flights, something that was impossible under the current fragmented setup.
Photo: FlightSimAirbus A321neos and Regional Plans
Thai Airways’ renewal project is not limited to long haul jets. Starting in late 2025, the airline will also take delivery of Airbus A321neos for regional and medium haul routes.
These aircraft are expected to modernize the short haul fleet while complementing the global network supported by Boeing 787-9s and retrofitted 777-300ERs.
Though the A321neos will not feature long haul premium cabins, they highlight the airline’s broader focus on efficiency and operational discipline. The inclusion of both aircraft types reflects Thai Airways’ intent to simplify its fleet while improving the overall passenger journey.
Photo: By Ken H / @chippyho – https://www.flickr.com/photos/fireballsg72/9390451957/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40879068Boeing 777-300ER Reconfiguration
The airline has also announced plans to retrofit its Boeing 777-300ER fleet within the next two to three years. The updates will include modern business class suites and the elimination of first class.
This move provides a unified premium product across the network and ensures travelers can expect consistent service regardless of aircraft type.
By removing a costly and underutilized cabin, Thai Airways strengthens its ability to compete while reducing operational complexity.
Photo: Alexander Lang | FlickrBottom Line
Thai Airways is preparing for the future by phasing out its first class product, once a symbol of its premium service. With only three aircraft still offering the cabin, maintaining it is no longer viable.
The airline is instead prioritizing a uniform premium experience, centered on new business class suites and a “business class plus” concept.
While the change may disappoint loyal travelers, the decision reflects industry trends and financial logic.
By focusing on fleet modernization, Thai Airways positions itself for sustainable growth in both regional and long-haul markets.
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Thai Airways New A321neo to Have Flat-Bed Business Class
The post This Asian Airline To Remove First Class Seats from its Fleet appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
