The regional airline is currently in discussions with Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer for the purchases. Over the next four to five years, the Thai carrier plans to grow its fleet to at least 30 aircraft, including leased planes.
Currently, Bangkok Airways operates a fleet of 25 aircraft standing at an average age of 15.1 years. The fleet comprises narrowbody Airbus A319 and Airbus A320 jets as well as ATR 72-600 turboprops, suitable for regional air travel.
| Aircraft type | Total units | Capacity |
|----------------|-------------|----------------------------------|
| Airbus A319-100 | 12 (1 wet-leased) |144 passengers in a single-class cabin|
| Airbus A320-200 |3 (1 wet-leased) |178 passengers in a single-class cabin|
| ATR 72-600 |10 |70 passengers in a single-class cabin|
Additionally, the carrier awaits the delivery of ten ATR42–600 turboprops. Commenting on demand for new aircraft and carrier's expansion plans Puttipong Prasarttong–Osoth said:
"We need to grow and new aircraft fleet would be mandatory. "
Bangkok Airways' rival Thai Airways is also looking at aggressive fleet expansion. The Thai national carrier plans to double its aircraft fleet by 2029 as it gradually emerges from debt restructuring process entered into back in2020.
The White Lotus tourism
Thailand already top tourist destination has gained even more attention following global success HBO's hit series The White Lotus set there current season .
The "White Lotus" effect has already fueled surge luxury bookings across top destinations like Phuket Bangkok Samui according report Nation . This trend expected boost visitor spending by10–15% up from7% last year while driving40% increase accommodation prices .
The "White Lotus" effect expected impact aviation sector air travel most convenient way reach filming locations show third season Thailand strong regional aviation market numerous airlines including Bangkok Airways offering flights between Bangkok popular destinations southern islands northern mountain retreats .
In December2024 Puttipong Prasarttong–Osoth commented growth trends highlighting expected positive impact Thailand's tourism sector aligns regional aviation industry's growth2025 He noted rise bookings Samui routes .
"Looking ahead company assessing other high-potential routes plans gradually resume operations pre-COVID routes Notably bookings Samui routes seen highest growth25% "
It worth noting Bangkok Airways focuses regional service even though operates some international routes explicitly catering business premium travelers Carrier often dubbed Asia's boutique airline Airline own airport lounges located primary base Bangkok Suvarnabhumi BKK Phuket Airport HKT Chiang Mai Airport CNX With tourism rise Bangkok Airways restarting some pre-pandemic routes including flights Samui USM Kuala Lumpur KUL Daily service route resume fourth quarter2025 Carrier resumed flights Krabi adding corridor connecting Thailand north south namely Chiang Mai International Airport CNX Krabi International Airport KBV Route operates three times per week .
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