Thai Airways launches A320 business class
Short flights within Thailand and around Asia now offer business class on the single-aisle jets.
![Thai Airways launches A320 business class](https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:1200,675/674d3b03c7344efe897781bbdd799465-thai-airways-a320-business-class.jpg)
Thai Airways is bringing regional business class to its single-aisle Airbus A320 jets, adding a dash of short-range comfort and points-based upgrades into the mix.
Thai’s A320 Royal Silk business class comprises 12 wide and comfortable recliners with a 38” pitch and 5” recline.
While these A320s lack inflight video screens, content from the Thai Vision Connect inflight entertainment system will be available over WiFi to each traveller’s own smartphone, tablet or laptop.
Thai Airways says its A320 Royal Silk business class “will be available in all 20 aircraft by the second quarter of this year,” starting on eight domestic routes from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Phuket, Hat Yai, and Krabi.
In addition, the A320s feature on “selected flights” to over 20 destinations in Asia including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Royal Silk Class passengers will be served “gourmet meals and a curated beverage selection” , with amenity kits handed out on flights longer than 3.5 hours.
![Thai Chief Commercial Officer Korakot Chatasingha with the new A320 Royal Silk business class seats.](https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:960,540/6799a0c8f6444ce1a4855bffdd799465-thai-airways-a320-royal-silk-business-class-4.jpg)
Other perks of the new premium cabin include including Fast Track immigration service, Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage handling, access to the Royal Orchid Lounge, 40kg checked baggage allowance (with 7kg carry-on) plus 125-150% bonus Royal Orchid Plus miles.
These A320s were previously flown by the Star Alliance member’s now-shuttered Thai Smile regional arm, where the premium cabin followed the Euro-business model of using economy seats but with the middle seat remaining empty.
Regional business class across Asia is very much a mixed bag when it comes to single-aisle jets.
Some carriers such as Thai, Cathay Pacific and Malaysia Airlines opt for recliners while Singapore Airlines is pushing ahead with flatbeds on its Boeing 737 MAX fleet.
The most popular regional routes are given over to twin-aisle jets such as the Airbus A330 and A350, and Boeing 787 and 777, which generally have true international-grade business class.
Cathay Pacific has already locked in a flatbed business class refresh for its regional Airbus A330 workhorses, while planning ahead for the first A330neo jets to be delivered from 2028.
Also on the twin-aisle front, Thai Airways is preparing to bring back premium economy and scoping out an all-new 787 business class.
29 Jan 2012
Total posts 184
Simply, looks good and am impressed with the Thai's choice - something QF should look at investing into if it is going to keep it's tired old 737 domestic and short haul international routes. while charging the prices they do.
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