Thai Airways International (THAI) has taken delivery of the first of a series of new Boeing 777-300ERs, which will come fitted with a new cabin interior.
The new wide-body aircraft, which will initially operate the Bangkok-Tokyo route, comes fitted with 348 seats in a two-class configuration, with 42 flatbed seats in THAI’s – Royal Silk business class and 306 seats in economy. The new 20-inch (51cm)-wide Royal Silk seats now offer an 87-inch pitch and recline 180 degrees. Positioned in a staggered arrangement designed to offer easier aisle access, the new seats also include 15-inch personal screens along with on-demand in-flight entertainment comprising 100 movies, 150 TV shows, 500 music albums and 60 video games.
The economy class seats meanwhile, are 18 inches wide and feature a 32-inch pitch. They also come fitted with 10.6-inch screens and the same entertainment options as business class.
In addition, the new aircraft come equipped with onboard connectivity, enabling passengers to use their mobile phones in-flight for calls and messaging.
The new B777-300ER delivery is the first of an order for eight aircraft to be delivered to THAI over the next 18 months. The second new B777-300ER will arrive in October 2012, followed by six more in 2013. Future routes to be operated using the new aircraft include Bangkok-Seoul-Los Angeles and Bangkok-Brussels.
The move forms the latest step in THAI fleet renewal plan. The airline has already retrofitted six BB747-400 aircraft with new economy class seats and in-flight entertainment screens, while a further six will be completed by Q2 2013.
THAI will also receive its first Airbus A380 later this year, with B787 Dreamliner deliveries expected to commence in 2015.
