Thailand’s Really Cool Airlines Delays Launch to 2024 and Targets Japan as First Market

Thailand’s highly-anticipated Really Cool Airlines (LUV) has adjusted its launch timeline, with plans now set for the second quarter of 2024, according to revelations made by Wutcharin Thatan, the Head of Commercial at Really Cool Airlines, during the recent 2023 Routes World conference in Istanbul. The airline is eyeing Japan as its initial market, aiming to utilize older leased A330-300s for services and establishing partnerships with Thailand-based codeshare and interline partners for feeder traffic.

As reported by Simple Flying, Thatan’s statements align with earlier reports from ch-aviation, reinforcing the airline’s focus on North Asian markets, particularly Japan. Really Cool Airlines Founder and CEO Patee Sarasin had previously expressed openness to Boeing or Airbus widebody types, ultimately settling on the Airbus A330-300 for the launch fleet, with plans to introduce A350s by 2025. Lease negotiations for the first batch of aircraft are reportedly in progress, as stated by a spokesperson from Really Cool Airlines.

Sarasin’s strategy involves partnering with Thailand-based domestic carriers rather than engaging in direct competition. Really Cool Airlines aims to concentrate on point-to-point international operations while contributing strategic and financial value by funneling passenger traffic to and from domestic carriers at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Although there was an initial target for a December 2023 start, Thatan shared that the airline now anticipates commencing operations in the second quarter of 2024, with plans to secure its air operator’s certificate in the preceding first quarter. Likely launch destinations include Tokyo Narita and Nagoya Chubu. The Bangkok Suvarnabhumi – Tokyo Narita sector already sees established players such as Thai AirAsia X, Thai Airways International, ZIPAIR, JAL – Japan Airlines, and ANA – All Nippon Airways, with Thai AirAsia X leading the market. Meanwhile, Thai Airways International operates on the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi – Nagoya Chubu route, with no scheduled passenger flights between the two Japanese airports and Bangkok’s second airport, Bangkok Don Mueang.

Looking ahead, Really Cool Airlines envisions having four A330-300s in its fleet by the end of 2024. During the conference, Thatan also disclosed ongoing discussions about acquiring more fuel-efficient and modern widebodies for future operations.