Vietjet Thailand plans to significantly expand its fleet from 18 to 50 aircraft by 2028, triggering an urgent need to recruit 320 new pilots over the next four years.
The airline’s chief executive, Woranate Laprabang, warned that the aviation sector in Thailand is becoming increasingly sensitive and may face a serious pilot shortage by 2026. The expansion is part of broader efforts to meet post-pandemic demand and strengthen connections between Thailand and key Asian destinations.
One-third of Vietjet Thailand’s pilot demand—about 100 positions—will be filled by student pilots, while the remaining 200 must be sourced from the current labor market. Many pilots laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic have yet to return to service, largely due to expired licenses, and only about half have re-entered the system. The airline also confirmed strong Q4 2025 advance bookings, especially on new Japanese routes to Narita and Kansai airports launching in December.
Industry Outlook: Growth and Uncertainty
Thailand’s aviation industry is undergoing rapid change, with multiple carriers preparing for increased capacity over the next two to three years. Vietjet Thailand’s fleet growth is aimed at capturing market share in both domestic and international sectors, including routes to Japan, South Korea, India, Vietnam, and Australia. The airline currently holds the third-largest share of Thailand’s domestic air travel market at around 20%, with plans to reclaim the number two position by Q4 2025 and maintain it through 2026.
Despite concerns over fare wars, Mr Woranate said he does not foresee major price competition through 2026 due to existing aircraft shortages. Airfares have decreased approximately 5% in 2025 compared to 2024, largely driven by reduced demand from Chinese tourists and a corresponding drop in domestic travel volume.
Bangkok Airways Adjusts Strategy Amid Regional Tensions
Bangkok Airways Plc (BA) has reported a 4% rise in advance bookings from September to December 2025 compared with the same period last year. The increase is primarily due to stronger demand for Koh Samui routes, which saw a 7% jump. In contrast, international bookings declined by 3%, particularly to Cambodia, due to ongoing political tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border.
“Bangkok Airways has had to reduce flights on the Bangkok to Phnom Penh route from three daily flights to one,” said Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President and CEO. The airline continues to operate three daily flights to Siem Reap, but has shifted from Airbus A319 aircraft to smaller ATR turboprops in response to falling foreign tourist numbers.
Fleet and Financial Planning Through 2028
BA expects overall revenue to grow 4% in 2025, close to its annual target. Ticket revenue and average fares of 4,200 baht remain consistent with 2024 figures. The airline projects 4.3 million passengers this year—unchanged from 2024—against 5.7 million available seats, resulting in a 78% load factor. However, operating profits are expected to soften due to weaker economic growth and reduced inbound travel from Europe and Cambodia.
In 2026, BA will begin receiving two to three new Airbus A319 or A320 jets and will also take delivery of up to 10 ATR turboprops valued between 6 and 7 billion baht (approximately S$242,000 to S$282,000 each). A separate tender for 20 narrow-body jets is planned by late 2026 as part of a broader five-year expansion strategy. “Fleet expansion must adapt to the aircraft supply chain,” said Mr Puttipong, noting the airline aims to restore its pre-pandemic fleet size of 40 aircraft.
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