Solar Air to launch domestic Thai services

Solar Air, a Thai full-service start-up, plans to launch operations from Bangkok Don Mueang Airport in mid-Aug-2010 (Bangkok Post, 23-Jul-2010).

• Ownership: Owned by Solar Aviation;
• Fleet: Acquired four Dornier DO-228s, the first to be delivered by the end of Jul-2010, the second scheduled for Sep-2010 with the third and fourth in Dec-2010. The aircraft have an average age of 20 years and were acquired from Dornier for USD1.3 million each;
• Route Network: Plans to launch operations with services from Bangkok to Roi Et and Mae Sot, before launching to Nan and Lampang as it receives additional aircraft. All these routes were previously served by PB Air. It is also considering services to Loei, Phetchabun, Phrae, Hua Hin and Chumphon;
• Target market: local business and government travellers.