Thai Airways: Redefining Luxury in the Skies

More often than not, consumers hear more and more about luxury amenities that airlines are offering to passengers. Thai Airways, which recently took delivery of the new Boeing 777-300ER, offers travelers enhanced features that bring comfort to new levels.

I was fortunate to be one of the few to get a first-hand glimpse of the new plane while visiting the Boeing factory in Everett, Washington. The Everett facility, where the 747, 767, 777, and 787 Dreamliners are assembled, is massive—to say the least. It is the largest building in the world by volume at 13,385,378 m³ (472,370,319 cubic ft.) and covers 399,480 m² (98.3 acres); think Disneyland plus all of its parking lots. While at the factory, I was treated to a private tour of the assembly floor, which is usually only allowed for airline executives and the fabulously rich who can afford to buy their own plane. It is rather amazing to see how a how an airplane is constructed, and when you see up close how colossal the parts are, it makes you realize how tiny you are in comparison.

Thai Airways’ custom 777-300ER has two classes of seats: the Royal Silk class, otherwise known as business class, and economy seating (which is still more spacious than many other carriers), and both have a state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system. The Royal Silk class is limited to only 42 seats, all which recline into fully flat beds, have 20” wide seats, a personal 15” TV screen, and even include a massage feature. The economy class boasts the widest seats in the industry at 18.5” and offers a 10.6” personal TV screen. Both classes can experience the airline’s customized in-flight entertainment which flaunts a touch screen audio/video on-demand system (known as eX2) with over 100 movies, 150 TV programs, 500 music albums, 16 channels, 60 games, internet access, and cellular connectivity. I had the opportunity to go inside and test out all the new features on the plane and all I can say is WOW! The Royal Silk seats provided privacy and comfort, and the massage was delightful. Another unique touch are the distinctive designs and imagery of Thai culture that line each cabin.

Now that I have seen the beauty and comfort of this plane, I can’t wait to fly in it. This means I need to plan a trip to Thailand, and thankfully Thai Airways now offers flights from LAX; so there is no excuse for me not to go!