Thai Airways A350-900 Business Class
Bangkok to Dubai
Flight Video
I have always been a huge fan of Thai Airways owing that I flew them extensively during the late 90s and 2000s between Australia and Asia. I have always got a soft spot for their remarkable Royal Orchid Service.
THAI recently started their A350-900 international operation on 30 October 2016 after 2 months of flying domestic in Thailand. Their first international route was Bangkok to Melbourne but they didn't receive the Australian aviation authority's permission to operate the A350 so they have switched to Dubai and Singapore.
I was going to fly THAI A350 all the way to Melbourne earlier, but her switching it to Dubai fits my travel plan perfectly. I can fly her back to my home in the UAE.
Flight TG517
Bangkok to Dubai
Flight time 6h20mins
Gate E5
Reg: HS-THC (Less than 1 month old!)
Business Class (Royal Silk Class)
Thai Airways A350 feature 32 all aisle access business class seat in a staggered layout.
The window seat offer most privacy while the aisle seat feels a bit more wider and roomier. Center seats are good for couples travelling together.
Upon onboard, I received THANN amenity kit, a welcome drink, menu and a nice orchid flower.
Window view from my seat 19K, the last window seat in the cabin.
The flight is lightly loaded with just 125 passengers. We departed on-time.
Through the excellent HD tail cam, I am able to see the view below.
At 4:44pm, we took off runway 01L and climb out of Bangkok
More Business Class photo after airborne.
November is a low season month travelling between Bangkok and Dubai.
Business Class was only 50% filled.
Check out the 360 degrees cabin photo!
Thai Airways A350 Business Class #theta360 - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
The in-flight service start soon with a drink of your choice. I chose Tamarind Tea (Thai ice tea) which is only catered on THAI's flight out of Bangkok.
The new Business Class menu feature choices of Thai, Western and Arabic cuisine.
It is great to see THAI making an effort serving local and destination cuisine.
Western Canapes/Starter
I initially opted for western meal option in fear of the Thai food being too spicy.
I changed my mind later by seeing how it looks like. The flight attendant was very nice and brought me the full Thai tray instead.
Thumbs up to THAI finally serving locally flavored authentic Thai food onboard!
Spicy grill chicken salad.
Stir fried chicken with chili and basil.
Thai beef soup
Rice with spinach
Fruit
Thai dessert: Banana in sweet coconut milk
My dining experience was enhanced with the gorgeous engine and wing view from my window.
Thai Airways A350-900 #theta360 - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
I also took a quick look at the Economy Class offering.
There are a total of 289 economy class seats across 2 sections in a 3-3-3 configuration.
Each seat comes with their own footrest and the seat pitch is 32".
Large rear galley on the A350.
My glass was always full on the flight. Cabin crew was very attentive.
Before I recline for some rest, I enjoyed watching the sky show directly out of my window.
Our flight chased the setting sun ahead of us literally all the way.
I slept soundly for almost 3 hours. An hour before our landing, I woke up and was served Pad Thai (Fried noodle)
It taste amazing and easily one of my favorite pre-arrival meal out there.
Our flight map
THAI use Panasonic EX3 entertainment system. The A350 has the same content as A380 and B777.
The content didn't look too attractive in my opinion. I didn't watch any movie or use the entertainment other than flight maps.
Before landing, the crew handed out fast track card to Business Class passengers. A very nice welcome touch.
We landed on Rwy 12L which means we flew past Dubai and did a circle overwater and land from the West side (Deira)
The world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa came into my window's sight before landing. You can see it on my video.
I was allowed to visit the flight deck after landing.
THAI captain told me on their A350 there is no HUD (Head Up Display units).
Check out the 360 degrees cockpit of THAI A350!
Post from RICOH THETA. #theta360 - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
A great photo with the cockpit crew.
Bottom Line
I have a very comfortable and lovely flight with the brand new THAI A350 from Bangkok to Dubai.
I particularly like the local cuisine element THAI put emphasis on their in-flight meals. The crew was always attentive, warm and polite across entire flight, just like you'd expected on their Royal Orchid Service.
Thumbs up to THAI which haven't cost cut drastically as some of the regional competitor has which affected the onboard experiences.
The Airbus 350 is a game changer. As a passenger I have notice how quiet and wide the cabin is.
You gotta fly on it to see it yourself!
THAI will fly their A350-900 to Milan and Rome this November.
Flight Video
Check out my other A350 Flight Reviews
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