Bangkok Airways is preparing for a significant fleet expansion, aiming to acquire at least 30 new aircraft to meet the surging demand for air travel in Thailand, which is projected to welcome a record 40 million tourists in 2025, largely attributed to the global success of HBO's hit series, The White Lotus.
The airline's CEO, Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, stated in an interview with Bloomberg that Bangkok Airways is currently in negotiations with top aircraft manufacturers including Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer. The plan includes acquiring 20 single-aisle aircraft in the first half of the year, with options for an additional 10. This expansion aims not only to modernize the airline's fleet but also to position it to handle the increasing passenger traffic effectively.
Bangkok Airways, known as Asia's boutique airline, currently operates a fleet of 25 aircraft with an average age of 15.1 years. The fleet consists of narrowbody Airbus A319 and A320 jets along with ATR 72-600 turboprops, primarily serving regional routes. The average age of the current aircraft underscores the need for modernization and enhanced capacity.
Puttipong emphasized the company's need to grow and indicated that a new aircraft fleet would be mandatory to meet future demands. Furthermore, he noted that the airline is awaiting the delivery of 10 ATR 42-600 turboprops to bolster their regional operations.
As competition in the Thai aviation sector intensifies, Bangkok Airways isn't alone in its expansion efforts. Thai Airways, the national carrier, also recently announced plans to double its fleet by 2029, providing further impetus to the competitive landscape.
The surge in tourism in Thailand, greatly influenced by The White Lotus, has altered the vacationing landscape. The country is set to see a 10-15% increase in tourism spending in 2025, a noticeable rise from last year's 7%. Accommodation costs have spiked by 40% as luxury bookings soar in popular destinations such as Phuket, Bangkok, and Samui.
Tourism analysts attribute the “White Lotus effect” as a primary driver of increased travel interest. As air travel remains the most efficient means for accessing key tourist locations, it's expected to fuel growth in regional aviation as tourists flock to the filming sites of The White Lotus across Thailand’s islands and mountain retreats.
Bangkok Airways stands to benefit significantly from this uptick in demand. Bookings for routes to Samui, a favored destination prominently featured in the series, have skyrocketed, with the airline recording a remarkable 25% growth in those bookings.
In response to the increasing demand, Bangkok Airways is reactivating several of its pre-pandemic routes. Notably, they plan to resume flights from Samui (USM) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL), set to operate daily starting in the fourth quarter of 2025. The carrier is also reinstating flights to Krabi, establishing a vital link between Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) and Krabi International Airport (KBV), with services running three times a week.
This strategic focus allows Bangkok Airways to capitalize on rising demand for short-haul flights toward some of Thailand's most desirable destinations, affirming the airline's key role in the country's aviation market.
Moreover, the impacts of the burgeoning tourism sector in Thailand are expected to resonate across the global travel stage. As international travelers increasingly visit, the demand for air travel will escalate, leading airlines to compete more fiercely. The rising interest in places like Phuket, Bangkok, and Samui might spur airlines to introduce new routes, competitive pricing, and enhanced customer services to attract tourists.
The strengthening of airlines such as Bangkok Airways will create numerous opportunities for travelers, opening up the chance to discover Thailand and its beautiful surroundings. With its ambitious fleet expansion and the tourism boost brought on by The White Lotus, Bangkok Airways is poised to significantly contribute to Thailand’s evolving aviation industry.
As Thailand continues to attract millions of visitors annually, airlines must adapt to the rising demand, ensuring more routes and services are available to popular destinations. The transformation is beneficial for both travelers and airlines as the aviation sector in Thailand gears up to maintain its prominent position within the global travel landscape.
