——Really Cool Airlines。
Bangkok-based Really Cool Airlines will operate a wide-body fleet that will initially fly to major hubs in Asia to increase visitor flows into Thailand.
Patee Sarasin, CEO of Really Cool Airlines, aims to meet today's customer needs through innovation and technology and create a lasting air transport product.
"People's patience with technology is much higher today, and this is not limited to Thailand, but a phenomenon that exists globally. We understand this change in behavior and have built our aviation products and services based on it. We are putting a lot of effort into being able to attract this customer base. ”
CEO of Patee Sarasin Really Cool Airlines
Really Cool Airlines CEO Patee Sarasin spoke to airline journalist Siddharth Ganesh.
Reporter: Tell us about your concept and why you chose "Really Cool Airlines"?
CEO: The word "Really Cool" itself feels free. Our goals we're committed to accomplishing are:
As for the development of the airlines themselves, we don't want to be the biggest because it's tough. We also don't want to claim to be the best because it's a growing business, but we want to be the most innovative airline in the world. We are always on the way.
"Really Cool" will also expand in the non-aeronautical sector to be able to generate more revenue for the company, which will help sustain if the industry struggles again. We are currently in a good cycle.
Reporter: What are the elements of "Really cool"?
CEO: I used to work in advertising for 20 years, and in advertising, you always want. Most airlines have very similar products these days, but I think there's a lot more that can be done. This covers the entire journey, even before and after the booking of the ticket.
I can't reveal much about what we want to do for the time being. As we grow, we will continue to innovate and introduce innovation. Customers will see a lot of "cool" stuff.
Reporter: So, when will Really Cool Airlines take off?
We plan to start official flights in the second quarter of next year (2024). We will fly long distances using wide-body models.
In addition, we want to complement rather than compete with other international and domestic airlines; In the future, we will cooperate with other airlines for intermodal transportation and networking.
We expect to begin validation flights in December or January next year. If all goes well, I think we can fly our own plane to the Singapore Airshow in February.
We are willing to codeshare and have reached cooperation with Japan Airlines and Taiwan Star Airlines.
CEO of Patee Sarasin Really Cool Airlines
Reporter: Is the initial fleet of only three Airbus A330-300s?
In fact, our initial fleet consisted of four A330-300s.
In the future, by 2025, we want to introduce Airbus A350 aircraft, which can allow us to fly longer.
Japan, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, and even Israel.
We're ambitious, and while it's tough to have only four planes, it's all that doesn't matter, we're confident we'll do it.
"We want to fly to Japan to Tokyo, Narita and Nagoya. As we move forward, Shanghai, China and Tel Aviv, Israel, will become our destinations. ”
Patee Sarasin, CEO of Really Cool Airlines
CEO: Thailand's aviation market has changed a lot, especially during the COVID period.
: Many companies don't even let senior management fly first class, so they choose business class more, and managers downgrade to premium economy class.
So I don't understand why a lot of airlines still offer first class today. There will be no demand in the future, and there will be little money to be made.
: Demand is growing very fast. People want to travel everywhere, and their behavior has also changed from just buying expensive products to having a great experience and being willing to share their experiences and photos on social media.
This change has become a common phenomenon for today's travelers, whether it is TikTok or Instagram, without exception, this change expands the market because everyone sees it.
We're watching airlines around the world perform, what's working, what's good, and what's not.
Thai Airways Market Overview
According to the Bangkok Post, Thailand received 11.4 million tourists from January to June this year, surpassing all of 2022 and proving high demand.
Airports Thailand Corporation (AOT) predicts that the three major airports around Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Don Mueang Airport (DMK) and U-Tapao Airport (UTP), will return to 2019 passenger traffic levels around 2025. In addition, the expansion and new terminal of Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is expected to be completed in 2024.
Thai Airways International remains the leader in the international long-haul market, followed by Thai AirAsia, suggesting that there is room to accommodate a new long-haul airline that can actually complement rather than compete with other airlines. Domestic airlines are numerous and competitive: Thai Smile, Nok Air, Thai Air Asia, Thai Vietjet and Thai Lion Air.
Patee Sarasin concluded: "We will also complement local airlines in the domestic market. We'll help them fill up domestic flights, and likewise, they'll help us fill international flights. ”
A little thought:
Really Cool Airlines represents a new hope for the Thai aviation industry, and they promise to bring a new aviation experience to passengers, bringing more tourists to Thailand and driving the development of the aviation market. I'm sure this will be an exciting airline and can't wait to see their success stories."