The Thai aviation industry is all set to welcome a fresh entrant, Really Cool Airlines, into its airspace. Patee Sarasin, the CEO of the newly minted airline, announced on Friday, August 4, that they are expecting to receive their air operator certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand this December, paving the way for their first flight.
The Bangkok-based airline had previously secured an air operating license from the authority. This new company aims to redefine the traditional air travel experience, presenting itself as a full-service “lifestyle carrier”. This innovative concept is expected to bridge the gap between luxury and budget travel, aligning with their motto “We Fly the Future”.
Upon commencement, Really Cool Airlines plans to operate using three leased Airbus A330 aircraft. Each aircraft will be capable of hosting more than 300 passengers. The company is willing to invest over 1 billion baht, focusing on attracting inbound passengers who make up about 70% of Thailand’s air travellers. Initially, the airline will target regional routes, including Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. In two years, by 2025, they plan to extend their wings to Europe.
Rather than compete with the domestic carriers in Thailand, which have firmly established their operations, the airline is looking to primarily concentrate on international routes. The parent company, RC Airlines Co Ltd, was established in March this year with a registered capital of 200 million baht. It is headed by Patee and his director-friends from diverse industries.
Patee Sarasin, who is a former CEO of Thai budget carrier Nok Air, resigned in 2017 to establish a travel platform called “Really Cool”. Despite his anticipation of challenges owing to the after-effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the aviation industry, he remains hopeful. He cites the geopolitical crisis involving Russia and Ukraine and the collapse of several commercial banks as significant obstacles. However, he believes that his airline’s adoption of new technologies and innovative strategies will help reduce operating costs while enhancing passenger comfort and safety.
Thailand’s aviation industry, once valued at 320 billion baht, had declined to 130 billion baht last year due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, there are positive indications of a gradual recovery this year.
Currently, seven major airlines dominate the market share, including the national carrier Thai Airways International, Nok Air, Thai Smile, Thai AirAsia X, Thai Vietjet, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Air Asia.
This news piece is based on an article on thestar.com.my.
