Bangkok Airways invests billions in new fleet and airport after success of 'The White Lotus'
Bangkok Airways is expanding its fleet considerably in the coming years with thirty new aircraft and is simultaneously investing heavily in the renovation of the airport on Koh Samui. The airline wants to profit from the rapidly growing flow of tourists to Thailand, which is partly driven by the international popularity of the series The White Lotus, recorded on the island.
The Thai carrier has concrete plans to order at least 25 narrow-body aircraft from aircraft manufacturers Airbus, Boeing and Embraer in the first half of this year, with an option for XNUMX more. The airline wants to modernize and expand its current fleet of XNUMX aircraft, some of which are already XNUMX years old.
"We need to grow with the increasing demand, and that requires a new, modern fleet," says CEO Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth. The fleet expansion is expected to be completed within four to five years. Bangkok Airways will also lease aircraft to accelerate growth.
Koh Samui as a tourist attraction for international travellers
Bangkok Airways benefits further from being the sole owner of the airport on Koh Samui, the island where The White Lotus has been largely absorbed. Thanks to this strategic advantage, the airline has a virtual monopoly on flights to the popular holiday destination.
Expectations are high. The Thai government is counting on a record number of 40 million foreign visitors this year. Bangkok Airways is also noticing the growing interest: the airline has already seen a 14% increase in advance bookings for the second quarter of this year. This is remarkable, as this period is usually the low season for the Thai tourist sector.
Airport renovation and more flights to Samui
In addition to expanding its fleet, Bangkok Airways is investing 1,5 billion baht in a major renovation of Koh Samui Airport. Work will begin in the second half of this year and is expected to last three years. The airport will remain operational during the renovation.
The airline has now received approval to increase the number of daily flights to and from Koh Samui from 50 to 73, anticipating an expected growth of 10% to 20% in passenger numbers on these routes, compared to the 2,7 million passengers carried last year.
Strengthening position in Thai aviation
Bangkok Airways expects to carry a total of 4,7 million passengers this year, up from 4,3 million in 2024. With these investments in both fleet renewal and infrastructure, the airline is strengthening its position as the go-to carrier for tourists visiting Thailand, with Koh Samui further developing as a key hub within the region.
Source: Bangkok Post – https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2983313/bangkok-airways-seeks-30-new-jets-to-tap-tourism-boom.
Ever thought about overtourism? Koh Samui is almost built up, I was there 18 years ago when it was still very beautiful, I have been there again and will not go back there either.
In the series they stay at the Four Seasons Koh Samui, 70.000 baht a night….
Family has just been to Koh Samui and it was too crowded with tourists, they have almost immediately moved on. They are thinking about the bahts again, but this island is already so overcrowded.
Yes, indeed a great pity. Nice for the entrepreneurs, but it is almost Phuket, and with all those new tourists nothing remains of the beautiful island. The last time I was there was 25 years ago, then it was still wonderfully quiet. I like luxury, but 70.000 baht per night, those are Dubai prices. The staff probably gets paid just as badly as elsewhere, only the owner is happy