Regional aircraft lessor ACIA Aero Leasing (ACIA) has delivered the first of two ATR 72-500 bulk freighters to Thailand’s newest airline, Pattaya Airways.

The airline took delivery of the aircraft earlier in April 2024, with the second scheduled to be delivered in May.

Pattaya Airways is a new start-up airline that is being launched by Pattaya Group who are based in Pattaya, Thailand.

Mick Mooney, ACIA’s chief executive, said: “We are very pleased to be entering a new market by placing our first aircraft in Thailand and providing the Pattaya Group with its first aircraft.

“Pattaya Airways have a robust business plan to capitalise on growing domestic and regional cargo demand in Thailand and South East Asia complementing their existing logistics businesses and infrastructure.

“We continue to see strong demand for the ATR 72 freighter and are looking forward to placing further freighter aircraft in this region in the near future.”

Tosaporn Asunee, Pattaya Airways’ chairman, said: “The Pattaya Group has a strong established footprint across many sectors of aviation in Thailand and we have decided to further grow our business through the start of our own airline operation, Pattaya Airways.

“The ATR is the perfect fit to serve the growing requirement for domestic and regional cargo and we very much appreciate the support we have received from ACIA as we establish our new airline operation.”

Pattaya Airways is in the final phase of securing its AOC in Thailand and is planning to start operations in Q4 2024.

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