Based on a report, it appears that there are four airlines that have expressed interest in commencing operations in Thailand. These airlines include P80 Air, Really Cool Air, Landarch Airline, and Siam Seaplane. Acquiring the necessary air service permits is expected to be a time-consuming process. The approval for these four airlines to initiate their operations is anticipated to be granted next year, as they aim to take advantage of the increasing demand from the tourism sector.
These newly established airlines offer various unique and innovative services. For instance, they provide seaplanes, incorporate blockchain technology with NFTs, operate small hopper planes, and offer long-haul flights. Their entry into the market is expected to enhance competition within Thailand's aviation industry, thereby posing new challenges for existing firms that already face higher operating costs due to increased oil prices.
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P80 Air intends to invest approximately 2 billion baht in launching their airline. They plan to utilize Boeing 787-800 aircraft for both scheduled and charter flights. In the initial year, the company plans to lease four aircraft and expand its fleet to 20 within four years. P80 Air has mentioned destinations such as Hong Kong, Macau, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang on their website.
Really Cool Airlines, which aims to commence operations in December, will utilize Airbus A330 and A350 aircraft for long-distance flights to Europe and Australia. They are currently in the process of obtaining an air operating license.
Landarch Airlines, managed by M-Landarch Co., is already an authorized Cessna dealer. They plan to operate short-haul flights using compact Cessna C208B planes to address gaps in Thailand's aviation infrastructure. Landarch Airlines is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2024 with 12-seat propeller planes, targeting travelers between major cities and beach communities in the southern region.
Siam Seaplane plans to operate eight-seat aircraft for flights to popular beach destinations like Hua Hin, Pattaya, and the southern islands. They aim to cater to various customers, including visitors, families, social groups, as well as provide VIP services to celebrities, top executives, and affluent tourists.
According to the International Air Transportation Association, the global airline industry is expected to reach a turning point this year. With over 4 billion people prepared to travel, it is projected that the industry could generate up to $4.7 billion worldwide by 2024.