As of January 2025, Thailand’s airfreight sector is experiencing significant developments which suggest a vibrant industry. Pattaya Airways, a Thai cargo airline, has expanded its operations by launching services between Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and Yangon International Airport in Myanmar (Burma). The airline utilises ATR 72-500 freighters and plans to further extend its network to Cambodia and Vietnam to meet the growing demand in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) market.
At the same time, Thai Airways continues to offer a comprehensive range of cargo services, including temperature-controlled shipments, priority handling, and transportation of valuable goods. In September 2024, the airline appointed Aeroprime Group as its exclusive Cargo General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA), aiming to enhance its cargo operations and customer service.
Motor crime
Additionally, a significant international law enforcement operation, known as Operation Titanium, successfully dismantled a sophisticated smuggling ring that had stolen luxury vehicles worth £6.5 million from the UK and shipped a selection of them to Thailand by air. A fleet of 30 luxury cars worth £6.5m, fraudulently financed and exported from the UK to Thailand was recovered, police confirmed. The vehicles, including a £220,000 Lamborghini Huracán Spyder, Porsches and a Ford Mustang, were shipped by air and sold through legitimate Thai dealerships. The cars were sourced from English dealerships and a luxury rental company in 2016-2017. Detectives allege a gang of Thai and British individuals orchestrated the scheme.
Collaboration
This market positivity has seen a new agreement between Thai VietJet and its subsidiary, AVS GSA Thailand on the Bangkok-Mumbai route.
This collaboration boosts Thai VietJet’s cargo capabilities, leveraging ECS Group’s network and expertise to support the airline’s growing presence in the international cargo market. The first shipment under this agreement was successfully transported on January 21, 2025, on the Bangkok (BKK) to Mumbai (BOM) route.
This partnership allows Thai VietJet to enhance its cargo offerings and optimise capacity utilisation on its daily BKK-BOM-BKK flights. Using A320/321 passenger aircraft, the collaboration focuses on transporting general cargo, spare parts and e-commerce shipments. Key exports from Mumbai will include pharmaceuticals and garments, with transshipment opportunities via Bangkok to Thai VietJet’s broad route network.
Jean Ceccaldi, CEO of ECS Group, stated: “This agreement with Thai VietJet underscores our dedication to empowering airline partners through our extensive network, advanced solutions, and industry expertise. By working together, we can support Thai VietJet maximise its cargo potential and seize new market opportunities efficiently.”
Chirasak Chandratat, managing director of AVS GSA Thailand, commented: “Our collaboration with Thai VietJet demonstrates the power of partnerships in achieving growth and operational excellence. Leveraging ECS Group’s capabilities, we aim to enhance Thai VietJet’s cargo reach while delivering exceptional service to the market. This agreement marks a significant step forward for both organisations.”
Regional promise
The Asia-Pacific region offers several promising opportunities for Thai airfreight operators due to the region’s dynamic economic growth, strategic location, and growing trade volume. Key opportunities include a booming e-commerce market, driven by increased online shopping in China, India and Southeast Asia. Thailand’s proximity to major e-commerce hubs, such as China, Singapore and Indonesia, positions it well as a key transit point.
Thailand’s membership of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) fosters freer movement of goods and services among member countries, increasing regional trade. Thailand can capitalise on its central location within ASEAN to serve as a hub for cargo consolidation and distribution. Opportunities exist in sectors like electronics, automotive components and perishable goods.
The Asia-Pacific’s rising middle class is driving demand for fresh produce, seafood and pharmaceutical products into and within the region. Thai airfreight operators can expand their cold chain capabilities to meet the needs of temperature-sensitive goods.
The demand for transporting vaccines, medical equipment and biopharmaceuticals into and within the region has surged post-pandemic. Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and other regional airports can be further developed as cargo hubs for connecting long-haul flights to short-haul destinations across the region. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project is enhancing Thailand’s logistics infrastructure, making it an attractive choice for regional air cargo operations.
Increased Intra-Asia trade
Intra-Asia trade continues to grow, accounting for a significant share of the global air cargo market. Thailand can target regional trade lanes, such as Bangkok to China, Vietnam, Malaysia and India for rapid cargo delivery. Sectors like electronics, semiconductors, and high-value machinery are growing in the region. Thai airfreight companies can focus on providing specialised handling for these industries to tap into the high-value cargo segment.
