Air Transport

LEITHEN FRANCIS / SINGAPORE

Orient Thai Airlines is the latest Asian carrier to focus on the low-cost sector, with plans to launch a no-frills domestic airline in Thailand in December with leased Boeing 757-200s.

Orient Thai managing director Udom Tantiprasongchai says the 757 has been chosen as it "is available at an attractive lease rate". He adds that the 757's performance would allow it to be used on international routes during Thailand's low season, such as overnight flights to Japan.

Orient Thai operates domestic services and to Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul Korea and Singapore, with a fleet of five Boeing 747 Classics and two Lockheed TriStars.

Udom says he is in talks with one lessor about a deal, and has the option to acquire Boeing MD-80s. In the longer term it might also add Boeing 737s. He says the number of aircraft required is either eight or 12 depending on whether it is a one- or two-phased launch. Having the bigger launch would see flights departing from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and from Bangkok to Phuket every hour, and flights departing from Bangkok every 2h for Chiang Rai, Udon Thani and Khon Kaen.