ACIA Aero Leasing (“ACIA”), a leading regional aircraft lessor, announced today the delivery of the first of two ATR 72-500 Bulk Freighters to Thailand’s newest airline, Pattaya Airways. *

Pattaya Airways took delivery of the aircraft (MSN745) earlier in April 2024, with the second (MSN742) scheduled to deliver this May.

“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 capitalize on growing domestic and regional cargo demand in Thailand and South East Asia complementing their existing logistics businesses and infrastructure,” stated Mick Mooney, ACIA’s Chief Executive Officer. “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.”

“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 Aero Leasing as we establish our new airline operation,” said Tosaporn Asunee, Pattaya Airways’ Chairman.

*Pattaya Airways is in the final phase of securing its AOC in Thailand and is planning to start operations in Q4 2024. The all-cargo airline will operate a range of domestic flights in Thailand with additional services into neighbouring South East Asia.