(BANGKOK) Thai Airways will retire its First Class service across the fleet within the next 2–3 years, completing the phase-out by 2027, as confirmed by the airline’s leadership in 2025 and reflected in current fleet plans. The shift moves the flag carrier to a standardized three-cabin model—Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy—aimed at cutting costs, simplifying service, and matching demand on long-haul routes from Bangkok.
Only a small subfleet of Boeing 777-300ERs still offers First Class on select routes, mainly Bangkok–London and Bangkok–Tokyo Narita, and that availability will taper off as aircraft are retrofitted.
Chief Executive Chai Eamsiri has linked the change to the company’s post-restructuring roadmap now that the airline is profitable and publicly traded again. Executives describe First Class as too costly to operate given the tiny footprint on board and the rise of high-end Business Class suites that appeal to most premium travelers. Industry analysts echo that view, noting many carriers have already exited First Class while investing in “super business class” seats that deliver privacy and comfort at a lower price point.
Policy shift and fleet plan
Thai Airways plans to grow from about 78 aircraft in 2025 to 150 by 2033, with new deliveries and cabin upgrades forming the backbone of its future schedule.
Key fleet and product points:
– New aircraft (no First Class): Airbus A321neo from late 2025 and Boeing 787-9 from 2028.
– Updated Royal Silk Business Class: front-row suites with doors, improved dining, and a teased “Business Class Plus” concept offering more private space, premium bedding, and special touches—without the First Class label.
– 777-300ER retrofit program: First Class will be removed during cabin overhauls, aligning the fleet to the single, consistent three-cabin layout.
Operational benefits of the single-cabin approach:
– Simpler crew training
– Easier seat swaps during disruptions
– More predictable maintenance
– Lower costs and fewer irregular-operation headaches
According to VisaVerge.com analysis, Business Class has absorbed most of the high-yield demand once aimed at First Class. The site notes that caviar service in Business Class on some European routes—already in place—signals a move toward premium soft goods and a refined experience at the business price level.
What passengers should expect
For travelers who still want to try Thai’s top-tier service, the window is closing.
Current availability:
– Only three 777-300ERs, each with eight First Class seats, still fly the product.
– Routes and aircraft assignments can change with little notice, so seats may vanish as soon as a retrofit is scheduled.
– Award tickets are especially scarce and will likely disappear entirely ahead of 2027.
Practical details:
– Current focus routes: Bangkok–London and Bangkok–Tokyo Narita, with occasional rotation to other long-haul destinations depending on operational needs.
– First Class ground perks (while still offered): dedicated check-in, priority lanes, lounge access, and spa services. These will end as aircraft lose First Class during refits.
– Business becomes the top product: the revamped Royal Silk cabin will lead, with “Business Class Plus” front-row suites offering extra privacy and upgraded catering (including caviar on select routes).
Tips for travelers planning special trips:
1. Check routes that still use the 777-300ER with First.
2. Book early—cash or points—and accept that schedules may change.
3. If paying with points through a Star Alliance partner, keep extra dates in mind and watch for last-minute releases.
4. If your flight loses First, ask the airline about meal and seat options in the new Business cabin, especially front-row suites.
For families and frequent flyers, the end of First Class is both emotional and practical. Some remember the A380 and 747 days with private lounges, escorts, and pampered flights. Others find a modern Business Class seat with a door, strong bedding, and better dining meets their needs without the high fares.
Industry context and timeline
Thai Airways is far from alone; major carriers have trimmed or scrapped First Class in response to a global shift in premium travel. Corporate buyers often choose top Business Class seats, while ultra-luxury demand concentrates in niche markets.
Key dates and targets:
– By 2027: Thai Airways expects First Class to be fully retired.
– By 2033: The airline aims to operate about 150 aircraft, all aligned to the three-cabin model.
Product direction:
– More privacy in Business
– Stronger soft products (bedding, dining)
– Limited-edition offerings (e.g., caviar service) to capture travelers wanting a touch of First
Operational and commercial rationale:
– Standardized cabins support staffing and training: crews learn one premium service standard and can deliver it across aircraft types.
– Simpler planning: seats are easier to manage during disruptions.
– Revenue logic: empty First Class seats drag on revenue; replacing them with sellable business suites helps flights remain sustainable.
Booking and awards
Award space in Thai First is already rare and often claimed quickly. Practical advice for award travelers:
– If you find a First Class award on routes like London–Bangkok, book immediately and monitor your reservation closely.
– If an aircraft swap removes First, you’ll typically be rebooked in Business—often the new suites are a solid result.
– Keep proof of your original booking and stay alert to schedule and aircraft changes.
Passengers seeking official travel-rights guidance can review notices from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand:
– Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand — government resources on consumer protections, complaint channels, and safety oversight for flights to and from Thailand.
Ground experience and the future of premium travel on Thai
Expect lounge access to remain an anchor of the premium journey, but dedicated First Class areas and spa services will fade as the cabin disappears. In their place, look for:
– Enhanced Business lounges
– Better food and drink
– Quiet zones that mirror the privacy of the new suites
On board, Thai Airways has said service will aim to “feel” First in key moments—such as upgraded dining—while retaining the Business label.
Thai Airways’ move marks the end of a chapter, but not of premium travel on the airline. The next phase centers on a refined Business product and a simple, clear three-cabin model. If the rollout delivers—more privacy, better dining, and a stable schedule—many passengers may not miss First Class at all.
This Article in a Nutshell
Thai Airways will retire First Class across its fleet by 2027, transitioning to a standardized three-cabin model—Business, Premium Economy, and Economy—to reduce costs and simplify operations. The move follows the airline’s restructuring and renewed profitability; executives say First Class is expensive to operate and serves a shrinking market. A small subfleet of three Boeing 777-300ERs still offers eight First Class seats each on select long-haul routes, but these will be removed during retrofits. Thai plans fleet growth from about 78 aircraft in 2025 to 150 by 2033, adding Airbus A321neo and Boeing 787-9 jets. The carrier will invest in an upgraded Royal Silk Business experience and a “Business Class Plus” front-row suite concept, aiming to capture high-yield travelers who previously chose First. Customers should book First Class award or cash seats early; when removed, passengers typically receive Business rebooking. The decision aligns with industry trends favoring premium Business offerings over traditional First Class.
