Five new airlines are set to launch in Thailand, with a collective investment of at least 3.85 billion baht. The airlines, which aim to begin operations in 2024, are looking to tap into the country’s booming aviation industry, projected to be worth 320 billion baht by 2024. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has granted air operating licenses to Really Cool Airlines, P80 Air, Pattaya Airways, Siam Seaplane, and Landarch Airlines.
Really Cool Airlines is expected to receive its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in January 2024, allowing it to start flight operations by the second quarter. The airline plans to operate four Airbus A330-300 aircraft and focus on Asian routes, particularly Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai. It will initially offer chartered flights with a crew of 130 before transitioning to regular flights and expanding to European markets.
P80 Air, affiliated with Thoresen Thai Agencies Pcl, hopes to receive its AOC within 8-9 months and start operations by the end of next year. The airline will operate four Boeing B737-800 NG aircraft and focus on secondary Chinese cities in its first two years. Meanwhile, Pattaya Airways is set to launch in late 2024, with plans to serve domestic routes in Thailand and destinations across ASEAN.
Siam Seaplane is considering adding amphibian aircraft to its fleet to cater to wealthy travelers visiting Thai ports and seaside resorts. The airline’s first route will connect to Ko Lipe in Satun province, significantly reducing travel time to the island. Landarch Airlines, on the other hand, plans to commence brief chartered flights connecting major cities in southern provinces from April 2024, with its hub located in Hat Yai, Songkhla province.
Key Takeaways:
- Five new airlines are set to launch in Thailand by 2024, with an investment of at least 3.85 billion baht, as they aim to tap into the country’s booming aviation industry.
- The airlines, which include Really Cool Airlines, P80 Air, Pattaya Airways, Siam Seaplane, and Landarch Airlines, are yet to receive their Air Operator Certificates (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) before they can start commercial operations.
- The new airlines have diverse operational plans, with some focusing on Asian routes, others on secondary Chinese towns and internal Thai routes, while some plan to cater to affluent travelers visiting Thai ports and seaside resorts.
“Thai investors are planning to launch five new airlines, and they will invest a minimum of 3.85 billion baht. With plans to start operations in 2024, these airlines hope to capitalize on Thailand’s rapidly expanding aviation industry, which is expected to be valued at 320 billion baht by 2024.”
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