New Thai carrier Asia Atlantic Airlines takes off

New Thai carrier Asia Atlantic Airlines initiated operations on August 7 by taking delivery of its first B767-300ER.

The airline is a joint venture between Japanese travel agent H.I.S and Thai hotelier Baiyoke Group. On August 20, the airline aims to launch its maiden route from Bangkok to Japan, either to Tokyo or Osaka.

Asia Atlantic Airlines will operate out of two hubs: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Tokyo Narita International Airport. Following another recent aircraft delivery, the fleet currently consists of two B767-300ERs with two configurations – the first has 269 seats, including 12 business and 257 economy class; and the second one consists of 261 seats, with 18 business and 243 economy class seats.

A spokesperson stated that the reason why the airline is named “Asia Atlantic” is because it wants to take the Pan-Asian Airline out of the Pacific, as is very common. Being a chartered airline, the airline has plans to serve destinations that are beyond Asia, but still providing the spirit of Asian Hospitality (i.e. London-New York). The initial launch of service from Bangkok to Tokyo and Osaka is due to the visa waiver implemented by the Japanese government, which will increase the number of Thai visitors to Japan.

Bangkok – Narita service

Bangkok – Kansai service

Within the year, the airline aims to expand its network to six destinations in China, as well as to Incheon Airport in South Korea. In 2014, it hopes to start services to Guam, Honolulu and Europe via Tokyo Narita as further aircraft are delivered.

Two lounges are planned for business class passengers in Suvarnabhumi and Narita, with the latter set to open in the near future.

To help passengers get through immigration faster, the airline wants to open a fast-track immigration process on arrival at Suvarnabhumi for Asia Atlantic Airlines passengers.

For more information, visit www.asiaatlanticairlines.com

Valerian Ho