Bangkok Airways Wet-Leases Amelia Aircraft for Peak Season

Bangkok Airways (PG, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi) will wet-lease two Airbus narrowbody aircraft from Amelia (8R, Paris Le Bourget) during Thailand’s peak tourist season to address a fleet shortage. The airline faces challenges in meeting demand as it grapples with fleet replacement decisions for the future.

Starting December 1, 2024, an Amelia A319-100 will operate daily flights between Bangkok and Luang Prabang, as well as twice-daily services between Bangkok and Siem Reap New Angkor International. Additionally, an Amelia A320-200 will operate thrice-daily flights between Bangkok and Phnom Penh. Amelia flight crews will handle operations, while some Bangkok Airways cabin crew will be onboard to maintain a consistent in-flight experience.

Amelia confirmed that the A319-100, F-HDSJ (msn 3727), built in 2008, is configured with 144 all-economy class seats and will operate for Bangkok Airways until March 29, 2025. The A320-200, F-HBNA (msn 4335), a 178-seat all-economy aircraft from 2010, will fly on the same routes during the same period.

The decision to wet-lease aircraft comes after a lack of available planes hindered Bangkok Airways’ ability to return to pre-pandemic flight levels. Peter Wiesner, the airline’s network management advisor, shared in June that despite the challenges, he was optimistic that the situation would improve in early 2025.

Currently, Bangkok Airways operates a fleet of 23 aircraft, including eleven A319-100s, two A320-200s, and ten ATR72-600s, though one A320 and one ATR72 turboprop are in storage. The airline services 20 airports across Thailand and six international destinations in neighboring countries.

Looking ahead, Bangkok Airways is evaluating its fleet renewal options. Wiesner indicated that the airline is considering Airbus A220 and Embraer E2 aircraft and is preparing to issue a request for proposals toward the end of this year. Deliveries for the new aircraft are expected to begin around 2028.

CEO Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth confirmed that a decision on the order is imminent, though further details have not been disclosed.

Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Bangkok+Airways

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com