By Will Lee
Since the pandemic has come to an end, many new airlines around the globe are set to spread their wings. Really Cool Airlines, a new carrier in Thailand, is expected to launch its services in December with three leased Airbus A330s with a capacity of more than 300 in the early phase.
The startup will operate a number of regional routes, such as from Thailand to Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. It plans to grow its route map to Europe by 2025, but the airline didn’t provide its strategy for expanding its network. However, the airline rules out operating domestic rules to avoid competing with other carriers providing well-established domestic networks.
Patee Sarasin, the chief executive of the airline, said an operating license was granted earlier this year. Really Cool will be launched after being granted an air operator certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) in December. The airline has invested over one billion baht ($28 million), with the aim of attracting inbound passengers who account for 70% of Thailand’s air travelers.
Sarasin, the former CEO of Nok Air, a low-cost carrier in Thailand, said the airline could meet the challenge of the invasion of Ukraine and the collapse of some commercial banks. In addition, the aviation industry is facing a slow recovery.
Growing Market For Russian Travel
Thailand has been recovering after the pandemic. Thai Airways, the flag carrier of the country, recorded an operating profit of 13,034 million baht in the first quarter of 2022, significantly improved from the first quarter in 2022, which reported an operating loss of 3,167 million baht.
In the light of reducing the cost and enhancing its safety and comfort, Really Cool will operate with new technology and innovative ideas. Earlier, the airline said that it will be considered a full-service “lifestyle carrier” and provide a unique experience to customers between luxury and budget carriers. Sarasin said the new carrier will exceed the previous standard and enhance safety and service.
Thailand is one of the popular holiday destinations, welcoming tourists around the world and it ticks all the boxes. The country recorded over 15 million tourists in the first seven months of 2023, an increase of 384% compared to the same time in 2022. Thailand expects 25 million visitors this year.
Surprisingly, Thailand is seeing an increase in popularity from Russia since the invasion of Ukraine, Russians largely used to travel to Europe during summer. Thailand is looking forward to ramping up flight operations to Russia and targets two million visitors from Russia in 2024.
