Pattaya Airways may be a newcomer to the aviation sector, but its ambitions are anything but modest. Having commenced cargo operations in August 2024 with ATR 72-500 freighters, the airline is already leveraging Thailand’s position to become a key player in the Southeast Asian logistics landscape.
“Thailand is strategically positioned as the hub of Southeast Asia, with international flights passing through the country every day,” Sirilert Siribhand, cargo sales manager at Pattaya Airways, said. “Leveraging this exceptional geographic advantage, we believe that ‘time’ is the most valuable asset in the modern logistics era.”
In a region where dense road networks and customs bottlenecks often delay overland shipments, Pattaya Airways offers an alternative built around speed and reliability.
“While ground transportation may offer lower costs, it often comes at the expense of longer transit times and higher risks of damage,” Siribhand explained. “In contrast, airfreight using our ATR 72-500 aircraft allows us to reach destinations within just 1–2 hours. This speed and reliability are key strengths we intend to leverage to build an efficient and well-connected regional logistics network.”
Expanding horizons
Following the successful launch of services to Ho Chi Minh City in April 2025, Pattaya Airways is now setting its sights on broader regional coverage. The expansion is both calculated and comprehensive, guided by a well-defined growth strategy.
“According to our five-year business plan, the first year was dedicated to setting up internal systems and ensuring full compliance with the regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT),” Siribhand highlighted. “The second year marks our Market Entry phase, during which we plan to expand our network to cover key Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Bangladesh.”
This phased approach allows the airline to balance operational readiness with market penetration. Importantly, Siribhand indicated the airline’s flexibility in how it serves different markets.
“For certain routes like DAC, we operate using our own aircraft, while for longer-haul routes across the Asia-Pacific region, we are actively seeking strategic partnerships with other carriers to enable seamless connectivity and service integration.”
Fleet fit for purpose
At the heart of Pattaya Airways’ operational model is the ATR 72-500—a regional workhorse perfectly suited to the terrain and timelines of Southeast Asia. But as demand grows, so too must the airline’s fleet strategy.
“We plan to expand our fleet by adding more ATR 72-500 aircraft in 2026 and 2027 to increase flight frequency on high-potential routes,” Siribhand confirmed.
The choice to double down on the ATR platform underscores the airline’s commitment to regional reach, quick turnarounds, and fuel-efficient operations. Yet, Siribhand also revealed a longer-term playbook designed for scale and diversity.
“Once the timing is right, we intend to scale up to narrow-body aircraft to serve longer routes and accommodate greater cargo volumes,” he stated. “Target markets include China, Taiwan, South Korea, and India—fast-growing economies that present significant opportunities within the region.”
Smart scheduling
Fleet expansion alone isn’t enough—efficient utilisation is key to profitability. At Pattaya Airways, that efficiency stems from a collaborative model focused on shared opportunities and risk mitigation.
“For us, partnerships are at the heart of our strategy. Fleet management is not merely about scheduling flights—it’s about co-planning business opportunities with our clients,” Siribhand said.
This philosophy is particularly impactful in the management of charter operations and scheduled services. “Having trusted, long-term partners allows us to better manage the risk of empty-leg flights while also creating flexibility to deploy charter operations on niche routes where there is targeted demand.”
