Thai Airways joins A380 club

Thai Airways is now the proud owner of its very own A380, becoming the ninth airline to offer flights on the world’s largest passenger aircraft. Thailand's flag carrier picked up the first of six A380s on order at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, last weekend. The airplane will service Bangkok-Hong Kong and Bangkok-Singapore routes from October 6 until the delivery of a second aircraft in December, when it will hit the Bangkok-Frankfurt route. (Bangkok-Singapore A380 flights will be dropped, Bangkok-Hong Kong will continue.) Early next year, Thai Airways will start flying the Airbus A380 on its Bangkok-Narita route, then Bangkok-Paris in February followed by Osaka, Sydney and London flights later in 2013. No private suites Thai Airways ordered a three-class configuration for its A380s, which can carry 507 passengers. Royal First Class seats 12 passengers, Royal Silk Class (business) has room for 60 and economy class fits 435. Unlike several airlines that have ordered private suites for their A380s, the bright, white first-class section on Thai Airways' planes feature only 12 “mini-suites,” a decision airline executives say they based on passenger feedback. Seats are 26.5 inches wide and recline 180 degrees. First-class passengers also have access to an onboard multi-purpose lounge. The 60 Royal Silk Class staggered seats have a 1-2-1 layout, allowing couples to sit together. They also recline 180 degrees, but are a bit slimmer, with a width of 20 inches. The 435 economy class seats -- 58 seats on the upper deck, 377 seats below -- have a 32-inch pitch and are 18 inches wide. All A380 passengers have access to internet, Wi-Fi and mobile phone use. From cnngo