Bangkok Airways Seeks A319, A320 Replacement

DALLAS — Bangkok Airways (PG), also known as “Asia’s boutique airline,” is in the stages of finding a successor to replace its rapidly aging Airbus A319 and A320 fleet, which is a long-awaited decision. 

PG’s CEO, Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, told Flight Global that by the end of this year, the airline will aim to choose whether to choose the Airbus A220 or the Embraer E2 series jets to replace the 11 A319s and two A320s.

PG’s A319s have an average age of 17.6 years, with its A320s being almost 20. In addition to the jet aircraft, Bangkok Airways also operates ten ATR72 turboprops for domestic routes from Bangkok airports (BKK and DMK) to airports with shorter runway lengths and smaller capacities. 

Why the A220 or E2 series?

Based at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), PG is a regional airline that operates three airports in Thailand: Samui (USM), Sukhothai (THS), and Trat (TDX). 

USM serves the tourist island of Koh Samui, where Bangkok Airways operates 90% of the flights at the airport. Over 20 codeshare partners, such as Thai Airways International (TG), supply PG with a constant flow of passengers, several connecting with PG onto Samui. USM handles 2 million passengers annually. 

Samui is a key airport for Bangkok Airways, where they can profit most. The 2100m long runway on the island cannot be extended, which narrows down the airline’s options. 

Due to a global aircraft shortage, PG’s CEO has stated that he anticipates longer delivery times, saying, “Even if we make the decision by early next year, we might only get the aircraft two years later.”

Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth said that PG may lease “vintage A319s” during the delivery wait.