Bangkok Airways reattempts an IPO. Outlook brightens as Samui expansion opportunities open up

Bangkok Airways is confident it can complete an initial public offering (IPO) in 3Q2014 despite the recent political instability in its home market. While market conditions remain challenging in Thailand, Bangkok Airways' long-term outlook is relatively bright, boosted by its strong and growing ties with foreign full-service carriers, along with a new opportunity to again pursue expansion at its crown jewel Koh Samui.

Proceeds from the IPO will support the full-service carrier's continued expansion of its fleet and network. Bangkok Airways has added four A320s and five destinations since the beginning of 2013 while adding four new codeshare partners and expanding ties with several of its existing partners.

The airline's A320 family fleet will expand by another four aircraft over the last seven months of 2014. Capacity at Samui, its second largest base, is expected to grow as Bangkok Airways closes in on approval to add flights at its island airport, which has been capacity constrained due to environmental regulations.