Bangkok Airways Pcl, a medium-sized Thai airline, currently operates 25 aircraft, some of which are already 20 years old. The company operates routes between Bangkok and major tourist destinations, including Koh Samui, whose airport is owned by the airline.
According to CEO Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, the popularity of the television series "White Lotus" is expected to drive an influx of tourists to Thailand, forecasting a record 40 million visitors to the country this year. Additionally, the airline has seen a 14% increase in advance flight bookings for the second quarter, in contrast to the typically low season in the Thai tourism calendar.
Bangkok Airways is preparing to acquire up to 30 new aircraft with the aim of renewing its aging fleet and boosting tourism. It plans to purchase at least 20 single-aisle aircraft from manufacturers Airbus SE, Boeing Co. and Embraer SA in the coming months, with the option to request around 10 more.
The airline has received approval to increase the number of daily flights from 50 to 73 and expects to carry a record 4.7 million passengers this year, exceeding the 4.3 million from the previous year. With its virtual monopoly on flights to the trendy tourist destination of Koh Samui, Bangkok Airways is planning a renewal of the island's airport at a cost of 1.5 billion baht ($45 million) in the second half of the year.
It is estimated that the Samui airport renovation project will last three years, and the airport terminal will continue to operate during that period. The airline's future goal is to increase its fleet to at least 30 aircraft over the next four or five years, including leasing some aircraft. According to Puttipong, "We need to grow, and a new fleet of aircraft would be essential."
