Thai Startup Really Cool Airlines Plans Q2 2024 Launch With Airbus A330-300s

ISTANBUL—Thai start-up carrier Really Cool Airlines plans a 2024 launch as it sets out to increase global connectivity to Bangkok, a destination it believes is still underserved by existing airlines, its head of commercial said here at Routes World in Istanbul.

“We believe Bangkok is still underserved from many cities and countries,” said Wutcharin Thatan, head of commercial at Really Cool Airlines, during a briefing at the Routes World event.  

The company, based at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, plans to start full-service operations in 2024, starting with a fleet of two leased, secondhand Airbus A330-300s and aiming to add another two by the end of 2024.  

It is currently in the process of securing those initial aircraft with lessors.

Realy Cool Airlines was founded in March 2023 and secured its business license in July. It expects to secure its air operator certificate in the first quarter of 2024 and launch inaugural flights in the second quarter. It has recently begun training crew for the launch.

The carrier will focus on Asia for initial operations. “We have been actively discussing with Narita and Nagoya airports in Japan,” Thatan said. The carrier is also discussing with Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwanese capital Taipei and some airports in China.  

However, its focus will eventually broaden, Thatan said. “We will not just limit ourselves to Asia and Japan,” he said, adding that the airline would explore adding longer-range aircraft to its fleet, including A350s and Boeing 787s as possibilities that could allow it to fly to European and Australian destinations. Discussions with stakeholders about those future fleet possibilities are ongoing, Thatan said.

“We want to partner with airlines in Thailand through interline and codeshares, making sure there is enough capacity and bringing tourists to Thailand,” Thatan added.