Thai Airways Unveils Refreshed A320 Royal Silk Business Class:
A Regional Upgrade
News
Thai Airways has introduced a completely redesigned Royal Silk Business Class on its Airbus A320 fleet, marking a significant upgrade for short-haul travelers across Asia. The new cabin, featuring lie-flat seats on select aircraft, represents the airline's commitment to premium regional travel as it continues its post-pandemic restructuring.
New Royal Silk Business Class: Key Features
Seat Specifications
- Lie-flat configuration (on 50% of A320 fleet)
- 48-inch pitch in upright position
- 20-inch width (generous for narrowbody)
- Personal device holder and universal power ports
- Privacy divider between seats
Cabin Experience
✔ Pre-departure welcome drinks (including signature lemongrass cooler)
✔ Gourmet Thai cuisine on china tableware
✔ Premium amenity kit with Thai herbal products
✔ Dedicated cabin crew for Business Class passengers
Route Network & Aircraft Deployment
Initial Routes Featuring Upgraded Cabins
- Bangkok to Singapore (3x daily)
- Bangkok to Hong Kong (2x daily)
- Bangkok to Hanoi (daily)
- Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur (2x daily)
How to Identify Upgraded Aircraft
- Look for "Royal Silk Plus" notation when booking
- Check seat map for lie-flat configurations
- Flight numbers THA 200-299 series
Why This Upgrade Matters
- Regional Leadership: First Asian carrier with lie-flat seats on narrowbody aircraft
- Product Consistency: Reduces gap between short-haul and long-haul experiences
- Competitive Edge: Surpasses regional rivals' business class offerings
- Brand Revival: Signals Thai Airways' commitment to premium service
Comparison to Regional Competitors
AirlineAircraftSeat TypeLie-FlatPrice Range*Thai Airways | A320 | Royal Silk | Yes | $400-600
Singapore Airlines | A320 | Business | Recliner | $450-700
Cathay Pacific | A321 | Business | Recliner | $500-750
Malaysia Airlines | 737 | Business | Recliner | $350-550
*Sample one-way fares for 3-hour flights
Frequent Flyer Benefits
- Royal Orchid Plus members earn 150% mileage bonus
- Gold members receive complimentary seat selection
- Platinum members get priority meal choices
- Upgrade opportunities using miles
Booking Strategies
- Early Reservations: Lie-flat seats sell out quickly
- Flight Timing: Evening flights offer best sleep opportunities
- Connection Planning: Ideal for long-haul transfers at BKK
- Promotional Fares: Watch for 20% off business class sales
What Industry Experts Say
"Thai Airways' investment in regional business class shows confidence in Asia's premium travel recovery, particularly for corporate clients." - Centre for Aviation
"The lie-flat seats transform what's typically a mediocre regional business experience into something truly competitive." - Business Traveller Asia
Future Developments
Thai Airways plans to:
- Expand lie-flat configuration to entire A320 fleet by 2025
- Introduce new menu rotations quarterly
- Enhance ground services for Business Class passengers
- Add WiFi connectivity on refurbished aircraft
Final Thoughts
Thai Airways' upgraded Royal Silk Business Class sets a new standard for regional travel in Asia, particularly on routes under 5 hours where proper flat-bed seating was previously unheard of. The attention to detail and focus on Thai hospitality makes this one of the most compelling regional business products available today.
Pro Tip: Book odd-numbered window seats (A or F) for the most privacy in the lie-flat configuration.
For more details and to experience the new cabin, visit Thai Airways' official website or read Executive Traveller's cabin review.
PrestigeFly Verdict: A game-changing regional business class that finally delivers long-haul comforts on short-haul flights. ✈️🌏