Bangkok Airways plans further expansion in 2015 with focus on Samui and international market

Bangkok Airways has begun the first phase of its post-IPO fleet renewal and expansion programme with the 26-Nov-2014 delivery of its first ATR 72-600s. The Thai full-service carrier is also adding an A319 in Dec-2014, its fourth additional aircraft for 2014, giving Bangkok Airways a year-end fleet of 29 aircraft.

Bangkok Airways, which also expanded its fleet by four aircraft in 2013, plans to grow its A320 family fleet by another three aircraft in 2015 while replacing four of its ATR 72-500s. Further expansion of the fleet is expected in 2016 and 2017 using proceeds from its recent IPO.

The ATR delivery is a milestone for Bangkok Airways as it marks the first aircraft taken directly from a manufacturer. Bangkok Airways has ordered nine ATR 72-600s, which will be used primarily to replace its ATR 72-500 fleet, and is negotiating a potential order with Airbus for A320neo family aircraft.