KATHMANDU : Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), Thailand’s national flag carrier, announces a significant enhancement to its Nepal operations with the introduction of the state-of- the-art Airbus A330-300 aircraft featuring a three-class configuration. Commencing September 17, 2025, this strategic upgrade marks a historic milestone as it introduces Premium Economy Plus, Premium Economy, and Economy class options to the Nepalese market for the first time, replacing the current Boeing 777 operations on the Kathmandu-Bangkok route.
This transformative enhancement reflects THAI’s unwavering commitment to elevating the travel experience for passengers traveling between Nepal and Thailand,
offering superior comfort, cutting-edge amenities (for flights over 3.5 hrs), and the airline’s signature “Smooth as Silk” hospitality.
The deployment of the Airbus A330-300, flying double daily frequencies to Kathmandu since October 26th, represents a substantial investment in the Nepal market and underscores the airline’s confidence in the growing demand for premium travel services in the region.
Enhanced Aircraft Configuration and Passenger Experience
The newly deployed Airbus A330-300 aircraft is meticulously configured to accommodate 264 passengers across three distinct service classes, each designed to meet diverse travel preferences and requirements:
Premium Economy Plus Class features 31 premium seats equipped with full-flat beds, direct aisle access, and enhanced privacy, providing passengers with an unparalleled level of comfort for long-haul travel. Each seat transforms into a fully horizontal sleeping surface, ensuring passengers arrive at their destination refreshed and ready for their journey ahead.
Premium Economy Class offers 48 spacious seats with increased legroom, enhanced meal service, and priority boarding, bridging the gap between economy and business class travel. This innovative cabin class provides exceptional value for passengers seeking elevated comfort without the premium price point of business class.
Economy Class maintains THAI’s renowned standards of service with 185 comfortable seats featuring modern entertainment systems, complimentary meals, and attentive cabin service that has made the airline a preferred choice for travelers across the region.
Strategic Partnership and Market Preparation
To ensure seamless implementation of this significant upgrade, Thai Airways Nepal, in collaboration with its General Sales Agent (GSA) Society International Travel Services, has conducted comprehensive product training sessions for key travel industry partners, including Travelport-Galileo Nepal and Sabre-Nepal. These strategic initiatives ensure that travel professionals throughout Nepal are fully equipped with detailed knowledge of the new aircraft configuration and service offerings, enabling them to provide expert guidance to passengers in selecting the most suitable travel class for their specific needs.
The partnership between THAI and Society International Travel Services continues to
strengthen the airline’s presence in Nepal, building upon a successful collaboration that has enhanced connectivity and service delivery since the resumption of operations in 2023.
Historical Context and Market Significance
Thai Airways International holds a distinguished position in Nepal’s aviation history, having first commenced operations to Kathmandu in December 1968. Over more than five decades of service, THAI has played an instrumental role in connecting Nepal to the global aviation network and has been a trusted partner in the country’s tourism and economic development.
This latest aircraft upgrade reinforces THAI’s enduring commitment to the Nepal market and demonstrates the airline’s confidence in the region’s continued growth potential. The introduction of the three-class configuration is expected to stimulate increased tourism traffic, enhance business connectivity, and provide Nepalese travelers with unprecedented choice and comfort in their air travel experience.
The timing of this enhancement aligns with Nepal’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its tourism industry and strengthen international connectivity. The improved service offering is anticipated to attract both leisure and business travelers, contributing to economic growth and cultural exchange between Nepal and Thailand.
About Thai Airways International
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) serves as Thailand’s national flag carrier, headquartered in Bangkok and operating primarily from Suvarnabhumi Airport. As a founding member of the Star Alliance, THAI operates an extensive network covering more than 50 international destinations across four continents with a modern fleet of wide-body and narrow-body aircraft from Boeing and Airbus.
Established in 1961, THAI has built a reputation for excellence in aviation service, earning numerous international awards and recognition for its commitment to safety, quality, and passenger satisfaction. The airline’s signature “Smooth as Silk” hospitality has become synonymous with premium service standards in the aviation industry.
THAI operates as a full-service carrier, providing comprehensive transportation services for passengers, cargo, and mail through both domestic and international routes. The airline’s service portfolio extends beyond flight operations to include ground handling, catering, aircraft maintenance, and cargo services.