Thai startup Siam Seaplane is planning to commence commercial operations at the end of the second quarter of 2020. The destinations being planned are all within a maximum of 1.5 hours flying time from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, and include Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Koh Kood. The airline does not target only tourists visiting resorts but also yacht owners and businesspeople. In addition, the seaplane services also allow for cargo movement, Medical evacuations, as well as search and rescue (SAR) missions.
As it works towards its launch, Siam Seaplane said it will follow the business model and training program of Tropic Ocean Airways, a Florida-based seaplane operator. The two companies have signed a Letter of Intent to “share expertise and skills as well as collaborate where relevant with any other third parties in their mutual objectives”, including the sharing of a fleet of Cessna (single turboprop) 208B Grand Caravan EX amphibians.
Siam Seaplane is working with Thai authorities to obtain an Operator’s License (OL) and Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). The company is also seeking partnership arrangements with travel agents, resorts, and marinas, together with strategic advisors and investors.
(Sources: Siam Seaplane; Seaplane Magazine; ch-aviation)
