In a significant step towards improving passenger comfort, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) has announced a partnership with Airbus to retrofit its fleet of 20 A320ceo aircraft with premium reclining business class seats. This initiative marks Airbus’ first cabin retrofit for a single-aisle fleet in the Asia-Pacific region.
Thai Airways’ fleet upgrade follows the recent integration of its former subsidiary, Thai Smile Airways, into the parent company earlier this year. Under the new agreement, Airbus Services will install 12 business class seats on each A320ceo, featuring backrests that recline up to 8 inches. The retrofitting work is scheduled to commence by the end of this year.
Once the retrofit is complete, the A320s will feature a two-class configuration, with 12 business class and 144 economy seats. This represents a significant upgrade from the previous all-economy layout, which seated between 168 and 174 passengers.
As of April 2024, THAI operates an extensive Airbus fleet, including 20 A320s, three A330-300s, and 20 A350-900s. This enhancement project is expected to strengthen THAI’s route network, improve fleet efficiency, and boost market competitiveness.
The new configuration aims to provide seamless and convenient flight connectivity for THAI’s domestic and regional operations. The addition of reclining business seats will offer passengers greater comfort, significantly elevating their travel experience.
An Airbus representative expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting that the agreement underscores Airbus’ commitment to enhancing passenger comfort and delivering exceptional travel experiences. “We look forward to seeing these upgraded A320ceo aircraft take to the skies, offering passengers unparalleled comfort with the new reclining business class seats.”
This announcement follows THAI’s strategic efforts to modernize its fleet and enhance its service offerings, demonstrating the airline’s dedication to maintaining a competitive edge in the aviation industry.
Chief Executive Officer Chai Eamsiri and the Senior Vice President of Customer Services at Airbus were key figures involved in this significant partnership.