Thai Lion Air unveils 737-900s, planning for early Dec-2013 launch. Planning to add 787-8s to fleet

Lion Group stated (01-Nov-2013) its affiliate in Thailand, Thai Lion Air, on 01-Nov-2013 unveiled one of its Boeing 737-900ERs, a 215-seat all-economy class configuration aircraft. Thai Lion Air will be the first airline in Thailand to operate the 737-900ER. Thai Lion Air CEO Capt Darsito Hendro Septro said the carrier hopes to launch operations in early Dec-2013, subject to regulatory approval. Its first three routes are to be Bangkok to: Chiang Mai, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. Capt Darsito says the airline has two aircraft, the second of which arrived in Bangkok on 31-Oct-2013, following a ferry flight from Seattle. Capt Darsito says the airline aims to add eight more aircraft in 2014, the first of which will come in Jan-2014 to facility to launch of servics to Singapore and destinations in southern China. He also says Thai Lion Air is speaking with its 49% shareholder Lion Group about adding 787-8s and using these aircraft to launch services to Japan and South Korea. Capt Darsito says he would like Lion Group to allocate it two 787-8s in 2016. Lion Group has five 787-8s on order with options for five more.