Bangkok Airways leases aircraft to meet increased demand

Bangkok Airways has announced a wet-lease agreement with French airline Amelia to meet rising international travel demand.

Starting December 1, 2024, and running throughout the winter season, the partnership will see two additional Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft servicing key routes.

These include connections between Bangkok and popular destinations Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Luang Prabang.

The move comes as Bangkok Airways anticipates higher passenger numbers during the winter travel period.

All codeshare flights on these routes will also benefit from the additional capacity, ensuring smoother operations and improved availability for travellers, the airline said.

The partnership underlines Bangkok Airways’ commitment to adapting to growing demand while maintaining its focus on customer satisfaction.

Wet-leasing involves hiring aircraft along with crew, maintenance, and insurance, enabling airlines to quickly scale operations.

This strategic expansion positions Bangkok Airways to strengthen its presence in the Southeast Asian market.

Thailand’s aviation market is among Southeast Asia’s busiest, driven by strong tourism and regional connectivity. Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok serves as a major hub, handling over 53 million passengers in 2023.

Budget carriers like Thai AirAsia dominate domestic routes, while Thai Airways remains significant for international long-haul travel.

Key growth markets include China and India, with increasing demand for leisure travel. Thailand’s aviation sector also benefits from its strategic location as a gateway to ASEAN, making it a critical hub for transit passengers within the region.