Asia Atlantic Airlines Transforms into AirThailand, Plans August Launch with A330 Fleet

Asia Atlantic Airlines, now rebranded as AirThailand, is gearing up to commence operations in August 2024, focusing on connecting Bangkok Suvarnabhumi with major Asian cities. After a period of inactivity since mid-2018, the airline is making a significant comeback with plans to deploy Airbus A330-200 or A330-300 aircraft.

Previously operating under the wing of its parent company, the Japanese travel conglomerate HIS Group, Asia Atlantic Airlines offered charter flights to Japan and China and briefly engaged in domestic flights within Thailand. The airline ceased operations and placed its two Boeing 767-300ERs into storage, with several attempts to restart in the intervening years remaining unsuccessful.

The shift to the new identity as AirThailand is part of a broader strategy to revitalize and expand its services. The airline has received a five-year operating license (OL) in August 2023 and is currently awaiting approval for an air operator’s certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), with its application still pending as of the latest CAAT update on April 11, 2024.

AirThailand’s planned route network includes four weekly flights from Bangkok to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Tokyo Narita. The company’s operational plan is supported by its authorization to acquire three Airbus A330 aircraft, indicating a shift towards a more modern and efficient fleet.

The airline’s website highlights its commitment to continuing a legacy of high customer satisfaction and dedication to quality and service excellence. Recent initiatives include diplomatic engagements such as discussions with the Thai Consulate in Dubai for potential routes to Phuket and Bangkok, a memorandum of understanding with ALTA United Arab Emirates for Hajj and Umrah charters, strategic discussions with Airbus at the Singapore Air Show, and negotiations with AMECO Beijing for maintenance services for its upcoming A330 fleet.

As AirThailand, the airline is poised to re-enter the aviation market with a refreshed brand and operational focus, aiming to enhance connectivity between Thailand and key cities in Asia.