Bangkok Airways chairman and founder passes away
Bangkok Airways, via its official Facebook account, announced (21-Apr-2026) chairman and founder Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth passed away (Bangkok Post, 21-Apr-2026). Dr Prasarttong-Osoth founded the carrier in 1968, with Bangkok Airways later established as a separate company and operating its first flight in 1986. The company built its own airport on the southern island of Koh Samui and launched Bangkok-Koh Samui service in 1989. The airline was listed on the stock exchange in 2014. According to the CAPA Profile, the airline operates 11 A319s, one A320 and 10 ATR 72 aircraft, to a current network of 16 destinations.
Background ✨
Bangkok Airways CEO Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth projected passenger traffic of around 4.3 million in 2026 and targeted an 80% load factor, citing route rationalisation and cost review.1 He also said the airline expected to operate 22 to 26 aircraft in 2026 and had ordered 12 ATR 72-600s, with first deliveries due in 4Q2026.2