Thai Airways Unveils Refreshed A320 Royal Silk Business Class:
A Regional Upgrade

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

  1. Regional Leadership: First Asian carrier with lie-flat seats on narrowbody aircraft
  2. Product Consistency: Reduces gap between short-haul and long-haul experiences
  3. Competitive Edge: Surpasses regional rivals' business class offerings
  4. 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

  1. Early Reservations: Lie-flat seats sell out quickly
  2. Flight Timing: Evening flights offer best sleep opportunities
  3. Connection Planning: Ideal for long-haul transfers at BKK
  4. 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. ✈️🌏