THAI operates biz class on A320 with 'Euro-style' empty middle seat
Sep 10, 23, 2:43 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: WLG/BKK
Programs: TG*G, NZ*GE, QF G, Accor Gold
Posts: 9,603
THAI operates biz class on A320 with 'Euro-style' empty middle seat
Looking at possible travel in Mar next year I noted AirNZ were offering business class connection SIN-BKK on TG's A320.
I took a closer look on ExpertFlyer, and then a dummy booking on THAI. TG offers business class with a note saying it is the 'Euro-style' empty seat between pax. The image is quite misleading!
Service will be interesting compared to wide-bodies.
I took a closer look on ExpertFlyer, and then a dummy booking on THAI. TG offers business class with a note saying it is the 'Euro-style' empty seat between pax. The image is quite misleading!
Service will be interesting compared to wide-bodies.
Sep 10, 23, 5:07 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: WLG/BKK
Programs: TG*G, NZ*GE, QF G, Accor Gold
Posts: 9,603
Sep 10, 23, 11:16 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,077
well they are taking over WE and are now selling the premium economy seats of WE as business... on a competitive route like BKK SIN not acceptable, maybe on domestic or less popular routes where not much alternatives...
Sep 10, 23, 11:20 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: WLG/BKK
Programs: TG*G, NZ*GE, QF G, Accor Gold
Posts: 9,603
Perhaps there is no economic case for PE on this route? Although this seems even worse than ScootBiz (whatever it is actually called) which is on a 789?
Sep 11, 23, 12:47 am
#6
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BKK
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Well, if the service concept is identical to "normal" TG C class, then I would like to think that people can survive two hours in a "Euro-style" Business Class. Sure, I would choose a wide-body if I could, but ultimately if the service concept does not change, then should be fine 
I wonder if they will start using adjustable cabin sizes though? - It always surprised me that WE never did, and yet kept the 3-3 seating with middle blocked. Surely, it should have economic benefits to start adjusting the cabin size as per demand.
I wonder if they will start using adjustable cabin sizes though? - It always surprised me that WE never did, and yet kept the 3-3 seating with middle blocked. Surely, it should have economic benefits to start adjusting the cabin size as per demand.
Sep 11, 23, 10:56 am
#7
Join Date: Sep 2017
Programs: TK E+, RJ G, AZ E
Posts: 1,684
Well, if the service concept is identical to "normal" TG C class, then I would like to think that people can survive two hours in a "Euro-style" Business Class. Sure, I would choose a wide-body if I could, but ultimately if the service concept does not change, then should be fine
Sep 11, 23, 11:48 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,077
well, it probably depends, what people are used to....within Europe there is hardly any real business seat available anymore on any routes...as middle seat free on economy class seats is standard at many airlines....
Sep 12, 23, 11:52 am
#9
Join Date: Sep 2017
Programs: TK E+, RJ G, AZ E
Posts: 1,684
So in the European case. It not about getting used to but the lack of options.
Sep 15, 23, 6:08 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Hong Kong, France
Programs: FB , BA Gold
Posts: 15,251
Another "innovative" idea by TG.
WHen there is no other options (like in Europe), then the concept works.
But in Asia, it will a difficult sell on competitive routes. Almost no recline, narrow seat, no entertainment system (?).
But a true J seat, even in the cheap regional CX version takes much more space than one Y row.
Even CX is introducing the new A320 on the BKK route, but it has a regional business seat. Basically 3 Y rows for 8 J seats, not 2 Y rows for TG J seats (i.e. empty middle seat).
WHen there is no other options (like in Europe), then the concept works.
But in Asia, it will a difficult sell on competitive routes. Almost no recline, narrow seat, no entertainment system (?).
But a true J seat, even in the cheap regional CX version takes much more space than one Y row.
Even CX is introducing the new A320 on the BKK route, but it has a regional business seat. Basically 3 Y rows for 8 J seats, not 2 Y rows for TG J seats (i.e. empty middle seat).
Oct 16, 23, 3:19 pm
#11
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 126
I mean even those ugly Bangkok Airways biz seats they use sometimes for Samui routes seem to be sexy now compared to this euro style biz
Someone did point out to me that Thai Airways markets these seats as Silk Class and not Royal Silk. Still cant seem to verify this.
Someone did point out to me that Thai Airways markets these seats as Silk Class and not Royal Silk. Still cant seem to verify this.
