Thai Airways Launches New Premium Economy on Flights From Most Visited City in the World

BANGKOK- Thai Airways (TG) launches its new Premium Economy Plus cabin on routes from Bangkok (BKK) to major asian cities. This new cabin offers lie-flat seats in a herringbone layout, bridging economy and business class comfort.

The product debuts on Airbus A330-300 aircraft leased from Virgin Atlantic, featuring spacious seating and a small onboard lounge. Availability starts on routes to the Indian subcontinent, with details on pricing and perks still emerging.

Photo: Thai Airways

Thai Airways New Premium Economy

Thai Airways (TG) expands its cabin options with Premium Economy Plus, a segment positioned above standard Premium Economy but below full Business Class.

According to Live and Let’s Fly, the airline announced this via its official Facebook page, highlighting features like generous legroom and exclusive access to a forward cabin lounge.

The design mirrors herringbone configurations from older Virgin Atlantic (VS) Upper Class setups, now repurposed for enhanced premium travel.

Passengers in Premium Economy Plus gain lie-flat beds that convert fully, promoting restful flights over long hauls.

This setup addresses demands from corporate travelers facing booking limits on higher classes, allowing access to flat-bed seating without triggering policy alerts.

The cabin integrates seamlessly into existing A330-300 interiors, with subtle branding shifts to differentiate it from Economy and standard Premium Economy sections.

Photo: Thai Airways

Product Features and Onboard Experience

The Premium Economy Plus seats span 38 inches in width and pitch, outpacing standard economy by 50 percent in space allocation. Recline extends to a 180 degree flat position, supported by privacy dividers and direct aisle access for every passenger.

Meals draw from Thai Airways’ renowned cuisine menu, with premium beverage selections including Thai-inspired cocktails served in the onboard lounge area.

This lounge, tucked at the cabin’s front, provides a quiet retreat for light snacks and drinks mid flight, echoing mini-bar concepts in international business classes.

Lighting adjusts for circadian rhythms, while noise canceling headphones and high speed Wi-Fi enhance connectivity.

Thai Airways equips these seats with 16 inch touchscreen entertainment systems loaded with recent films and series, ensuring diverse viewing options.

Photo: Thai Airways

Comparisons to Global Airline Offerings

Other carriers repackage similar herringbone seats as business class, such as Air New Zealand (NZ) on its long-haul fleet.

Delta Air Lines (DL) explores a “Basic Business” variant that strips perks like lounge entry while retaining the lie-flat core, mirroring Thai Airways’ approach.

American Airlines (AA) and Air France (AF) allocate bulkhead space for upgraded business pods, creating tiered experiences within the same cabin.

Virgin Atlantic (VS) previously flew these exact seats on Boeing 787-9 routes from London Heathrow (LHR) to Los Angeles (LAX), where reviewers noted solid premium economy value despite business-class branding.

JetBlue (B6) experiments with expanded front cabin zones for elite economy flyers, signaling industry trends toward granular segmentation.

In contrast, ultra luxury first class products like Singapore Airlines’ (SQ) Suites stand apart with private enclosures and butler service.

Photo: Thai Airways

Rollout Details and Availability

Thai Airways restricts Premium Economy Plus to Bangkok (BKK)-India routes initially, serving cities like Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM).

The leased A330-300 aircraft enables this quick deployment, bypassing full fleet retrofits. Booking opens through the airline’s website and app, though Royal Orchid Plus redemption rates remain unspecified.

Star Alliance partners may award miles for these seats, pending confirmation, expanding accessibility for frequent flyers. Priority boarding and extra baggage likely apply, aligning with premium cabin norms, but official clarification awaits.

The Facebook reveal sparks curiosity over the muted launch, absent traditional press events or website banners.

Photo: Clément Alloing

Future Implications

This introduction marks the first known split within a premium economy cabin, potentially inspiring rivals to layer offerings further.

Corporate policies evolve to accommodate such hybrids, balancing cost controls with employee satisfaction.

As Thai Airways refines details, the product could extend beyond India, reshaping mid-tier travel dynamics across Asia.

Travelers benefit from tailored choices, from budget-conscious upgrades to near-business luxury without premium fares.

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