On 18 June 2024, Bangkok Airways announced its plans to expand into new business ventures, including seaplane operations and a cruise terminal, while reporting record passenger traffic for Samui. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, CEO of Bangkok Airways, revealed the company’s readiness to support the government’s policy to enhance airport and air transport capabilities, particularly through the introduction of seaplane operations to boost tourism.
Bangkok Airways is currently studying the feasibility of developing a water airport on Samui Island in Surat Thani Province to facilitate the launch of seaplane services in Thailand. This new travel option aims to provide greater convenience for high-spending tourists, allowing faster travel from Samui Airport to nearby islands such as the Similan Islands in Phang Nga, which typically requires 4-5 hours by car and boat.
Prasarttong-Osoth noted that the current number of seaplane operators in Thailand is limited, with most using small aircraft like the Cessna, which can carry fewer than 20 passengers. The development of infrastructure to support larger seaplanes is expected to attract interest from both operators and tourists.
Presently, Samui Airport is experiencing higher passenger traffic than before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, with annual arrivals and departures each reaching about 1 million passengers. The company aims to increase this to 2 million arrivals and 2 million departures annually, in line with the Prime Minister’s policy.
Samui remains the most popular route for Bangkok Airways, with advance bookings accounting for approximately 65% of all routes. The airline has set a target of a 10% overall growth by 2024, aiming to transport around 4.5 million passengers.
When asked about the potential impact of the planned expressway connecting Samui by the Expressway Authority of Thailand, Prasarttong-Osoth stated that it is unlikely to affect airport passenger volumes. The expressway is expected to facilitate local travel rather than reduce the demand for direct flights from Bangkok or international destinations.
Additionally, Bangkok Airways is exploring the possibility of investing in a large cruise terminal project on Samui Island, in collaboration with the Marine Department. This venture aims to accommodate the growing number of cruise ships entering Thailand annually, presenting a new and exciting opportunity for the company and its investors.
The announcements were made by Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, CEO of Bangkok Airways.
