REBRANDS - Asia Atlantic Airlines rebrands to Air Thailand

Asia Atlantic Airlines (Bangkok Suvarnabhumi) has rebranded to AirThailand (Bangkok Suvarnabhumi) and according to its website intends to start operations in August 2024 with either A330-200 or A330-300 stock.

After briefly operating passenger charter flights to Japan and China on behalf of its parent, the Japanese travel company HIS Group, as well as some domestic operations, Asia Atlantic Airlines ceased operations in mid-2018, putting its two B767-300ERs into storage. Despite reports of a restart, it has never managed to do so.

Late last year, ch-aviation reported that an entity called Asia Atlantic Airlines Co. Ltd was planning to start scheduled flight operations in 2024. The entity said it had received a five-year operating licence (OL) in August 2023 and had applied to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) for an air operator's certificate (AOC). The CAAT's latest AOC status data, published on April 11, 2024, lists the pending Asia Atlantic Airlines Co. Ltd application. The original AOC, issued in 2017, lapsed in December 2022.

Air Thailand's website says it will connect Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Tokyo Narita four times per week using Airbus widebodies. The still-valid OL authorised the company to acquire three A330 types. "This transition [to Air Thailand] builds on our longstanding legacy of high customer satisfaction and a steadfast commitment to quality, service, and excellence," the website reads.

The company also lists its recent key achievements as diplomatic engagement with the Thai Consulate in Dubai regarding the start of Dubai International-Phuket and Dubai-Bangkok flights; the signing of a memorandum of understanding with ALTA United Arab Emirates concerning Hajj and Umrah charters; "strategic discussions" with Airbus at the recent Singapore Air Show; and discussions with AMECO Beijing about maintenance services for the A330s.

ch-aviation has contacted Air Thailand for comment.

Thailand's Asia Atlantic Airlines applies for US route authority

Asia Atlantic Airlines has applied to the US Department of Transportation for a Foreign Air Carrier Permit as well as route exemption which would allow it to conduct freight as well as passenger charter flights to the United States from Thailand or via third countries.

Though it did not mention any specifics in terms of dates or proposed routings, the flights would be operated as either charters or wet-leases using the carrier's fleet of two B767-300(ER)s.

A subsidiary of the Japanese travel agency H.I.S., the Thai operator specializes in flights between Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Tokyo Narita

ch-aviation

ASIA ATLANTIC AIRLINES LAUNCHES WITH AN ANOINTING CEREMONY FOR ITS FIRST BOEING 767-300ER AIRCRAFT

Photo: NINEJETS - Tokyo, Narita

BANGKOK, August 7, 2013—Phra Promwachirayan Prasit Suddhibandhu (centre), presided over the aircraft anointing ceremony for Asia Atlantic Airlines’ Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. Asia Atlantic Airlines President Bobby Haque (second from left) and Baiyoke Group Chairman Panlert Baiyoke (second from right) were also present at the ceremony held at the auspicious time of 2:00 p.m. on August 7th at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Asia Atlantic Airlines will begin operations with two Boeing 767-300ER aircraft to Tokyo and Osaka, later expanding to offer routes throughout the region as further aircraft are delivered.
A Dynamic New Force

Asia Atlantic Airlines is a dynamic new force in the region’s leisure airline industry offering a legacy carrier service that adheres to the very highest standards of Asian hospitality. A joint venture between Japan‘s H.I.S. Group and Thailand’s Baiyoke Group. The airline will commence operations with flights from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Tokyo (Narita) and Osaka (Kansai) utilising two Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. Asia Atlantic Airlines plans to expand its network to include China, South Korea, Guam and Hawaii as further aircraft are delivered.

Committed to offering a comfortable and convenient experience, passengers travelling on Asia Atlantic Airlines will have access to both a departure lounge and dedicated immigration counters at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. On-board, the experienced Thai and Japanese cabin crew will offer the highest level of safety and service.



“With our years of experience of leisure tours in Asia, we offer convenience not only for tour operators but also guests, who will enjoy the highest standards of safety and service comparable with legacy carriers,” said Bobby Haque, President of Asia Atlantic Airlines

Praphol Milindhachinda, Bobby Haque, Phra Pomwachirayan (Prasit Khemongkaro Sutdhibandhu), Panlert Baiyoke and Piyalert Baiyoke (in order of appearance)