Bangkok Airways studying feasibility of launching own LCC: report

Bangkok Airways is reportedly studying the feasibility of launching its own LCC in order to access the growing market, according to a report in The Nation. The LCC would reportedly follow the European low-cost concept and operate regionally to destinations within three to four hours range. Bangkok Airways president Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth said if the airline does not enter the low-cost segment it will lose its market share, especially after the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. The company is yet to make a decision on the proposed venture as it is currently preparing to list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 1Q2013. The THB10 billion (USD320 million) expected to be raised from its IPO will go to modernising its infrastructure at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and expanding its network and fleet from 19 presently to 30 aircraft in 2015. After the listing it will finalise its expansion plan.