Bangkok Airways to acquire 30 new aircraft

Bangkok Airways is planning to expand its fleet by acquiring at least 30 new aircraft. This news comes as Thailand is expecting a record 40 million tourists in 2025, partly due to the popularity of HBO's series The White Lotus. The airline aims to buy 20 single-aisle planes in the first half of the year, with options for an additional 10. CEO Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth has indicated that the airline is in talks with Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer. Currently, Bangkok Airways operates 25 aircraft, which are on average 15 years old. The existing fleet includes Airbus A319s, A320s, and ATR 72-600 turboprops, suitable for regional travel. The airline is also expecting to receive 10 ATR 42-600 turboprops in the near future. Thailand's tourism sector is booming, fueled by the "White Lotus" effect, which has led to increased luxury travel bookings. The company anticipates a 10-15% rise in visitor spending and a 40% increase in accommodation prices. As part of its expansion, Bangkok Airways is looking to resume some pre-pandemic routes, including daily flights from Samui to Kuala Lumpur starting in late 2025. The airline also added a new route connecting Chiang Mai to Krabi. Rival Thai Airways is also expanding, aiming to double its fleet by 2029 as it recovers from a debt restructuring process. Overall, the aviation market in Thailand is seeing significant growth, supported by rising tourism.