In an exciting development for high-flying wanderers, Thai Airways is turning up the luxury dial on its regional routes. The airline, known for bringing a touch of elegance to the clouds, is introducing a regional business class on its sleek Airbus A320s. These single-aisle jets are ready to elevate your travel experience with their new Royal Silk Class. But before you start daydreaming about sipping Champagne at 30,000 feet, you might be wondering: is this really the luxury boost travelers have been craving, or is it simply economy class with a splash of extra legroom?
Royal Silk Class boldly struts onto the scene with a dozen wide, reclining seats spaced generously for those who value their airborne personal space. With a seat pitch of 38 inches and a recline of 5 inches, this is a clear step up from your standard cattle-class confines. However, there’s a teeny-tiny snag—if you’re searching for screens with in-flight entertainment, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Passengers are encouraged to embrace the 21st century by connecting to Thai Vision Connect, a WiFi-based system that streams a cavalcade of content directly to your personal devices.
Thai Airways is rolling out this chic cabin desgin on domestic routes from bustling Bangkok to a variety of captivating destinations like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the sandy shores of Phuket. As the fleet deploys by mid-2025, these upgraded A320s won’t just be confined to Thailand’s borders. Expect them to glide into over 20 colorful Asian hotspots, including city lights of Hong Kong, the Lion City of Singapore, and the vibrant cultures of India and Malaysia.
So, what luxurious goodies can Royal Silk passengers anticipate? Prepare your taste buds for gourmet meals, perfectly paired with curated beverages. Amenity kits await on flights spanning over 3.5 hours. Additional perks are ready to make your journey smoother: think fast track immigration, priority everything from boarding to baggage handling, and entry to the Royal Orchid Lounge. Landside, the perks continue with 40kg of checked luggage and an extra 7kg carry-on, not to mention a wealth of Royal Orchid Plus miles to boost your frequent flyer fortune.
These A320s come with a backstory too. They were once the pride of Thai Smile, where “business class” humorously translated to economy aisles with privacy-focused middle seats left empty. This leap to truly reclining seats aligns Thai Airways more closely with the standards of industry players like Cathay Pacific and Malaysia Airlines. Although it still falters when compared to Singapore Airlines’ plush flatbeds on the Boeing 737 MAX, it’s definitely a firm step in the right direction.
While skies are changing for the A320, Thai Airways is plotting further altitude shifts with its venerable Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Fresh updates hint at the return of premium economy and the unveiling of a sparkling new business class concept, reported by the ever-watchful Executive Traveller. Loyal Royal Orchid Plus members can now channel accrued miles into seat upgrades. The catch? Certain booking classes like T, K, S, and Z won’t accept mileage sweet-talk for upgrades.
Let’s peer into the latest pulse from Thailand—punctuated by moments that baffle, amuse, and amaze. Whether it’s a viral video of a motorcyclist receiving a swift kick, aviation graphics bouncing back to pre-Covid heights, or the curious tale of a transwoman laughing off a jewel thief, Thailand never ceases to surprise. As Thai Airways steers its fleet into the sun-streaked horizon of luxury, only time will truly dictate whether this airborne extravagance is to become the new norm for jet-setters seeking exotic journeys.
I’m all for increased comfort, but no screens for in-flight entertainment? That’s a dealbreaker for me. Not everyone wants to drain their phone battery while flying.
Agreed, Joe. Relying solely on personal devices feels like a step backward, not forward.
True, but it probably saves the airline money and maintenance hassles. They should at least offer some device charging spots, though.
Sounds exciting! Thai Airways is catching up with the competition, but will this be enough to sway loyal Singapore Airlines passengers?
Doubtful, Alex. Singapore Airlines has set quite a high bar with their service already.
Great! More comfort! But those amenity kits and priority boarding perks better be top-notch for the premium price.
Honestly, I’m skeptical these perks genuinely add value worth the premium price. Anyone else feel it’s just empty marketing?
You might be right, Linda. But sometimes it’s the little things that make a huge difference during travel.
Why even bother upgrading if they can’t match Singapore Airlines? It feels half-baked.
It might be half-baked, but at least they’re trying to improve. Don’t write them off yet!
Not every airline can be Singapore Airlines. Some variety is good in the market, gives different options for different preferences.
I love that they are expanding to more destinations in Asia. Perfect for business trips!
Yes, it’s a great decision! Expanding their network will be key to survival and attracting new clientele.
True, but I hope they’re not overextending themselves. Plenty of airlines have stumbled trying to over-expand quickly.
Finally, more reasons to use up those Royal Orchid Plus miles! But I hope T, K, S, and Z class bookings issue won’t become a headache.
Ah, the dreaded booking classes! It’s always a pain to figure out which ones allow upgrades with miles.
That’s a common issue across many airlines. A bit of research before booking usually helps avoid surprises.
That’s true, Steve. I just wish the policies were more consistent instead of being a guessing game.
With climate change concerns, should airlines really be pushing for more luxury, or focusing on eco-friendly initiatives?
Exactly! We should prioritize eco-friendly travel options instead of more creature comforts.
I think it’s possible to do both. Higher cost can also mean more efficient use of resources.
True, but airlines need to do more than lip service about the environment. It’s a good chance to lead by example.
Honestly, I’m just excited about the better baggage allowance. It’s always a challenge to pack light!
Same here! 40kg checked and extra carry-on allowance is a godsend for us heavy packers.
Different strokes for different folks. I travel with just a backpack, so I’ll pass on that perk.
I find it amusing that these were originally just glorified economy seats. What a transformation!
It’s surprising what a difference a bit of extra recline and legroom can make, isn’t it?
Does anyone remember when even economy class had decent legroom? Those were the days!
Interesting move to shift entertainment to personal devices. I wonder how this impacts the digital divide.
This could be a smart move if they play their cards right. The trend is shifting towards more personalized travel experiences.
Well, as long as we still get the extra miles, I’m in! Anything to keep my loyalty status safe.
This seems like just another way to upsell. Is the added luxury really necessary for short flights?
I love the idea of more priority services. Makes traveling feel less of a hassle—hope they implement it smoothly.