Press Release
Really Cool Airlines putting the pieces in place to redefine the airline experience
Featuring innovations that reimagine standard airline business models
Bangkok, 6 November 2023 – Really Cool Airlines (RC), the Thai-owned start-up carrier vowing to reinvent aviation, announces a series of significant milestones towards its planned inauguration as early as the first quarter of 2024. RC founder and CEO Patee Sarasin reaffirmed that the complex elements needed for the successful launch of the ‘lifestyle full service’ airline have shifted into top gear.
“All kinds of preparations, including regulatory requirements, operational support, aircraft procurement, technological backup and talent recruitment and training, have been falling into place to allow us to realise the planned take-off date,” he said.
RC, whose ambition is to set new benchmarks in Thai aviation by deeply embracing technology to streamline operations and enhance the passenger experience, is expecting to obtain the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), the permit to use aircraft for commercial purposes, from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), by January next year. And this past July RC secured the Air Operating Licence, the initial requisite to run air services, from CAAT.
“It has been a long time coming for a new start-up carrier in Thailand to get off the ground, and we are delighted to be one of them,” said Patee, the former CEO of Nok Air, a Thailand-based carrier.
Opportune timing to launch
CEO Patee said Really Cool Airline’s launch is timed to capitalise on the sharp recovery in global air travel, with airline revenue and profits soaring as travel bounces back after the pandemic. Major carriers like United, Lufthansa, Delta, Korean Air, China Airlines, and even cash-strapped Thai Airways, are profitable after three years in the financial doldrums.
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, most countries restricted travel and went into lockdowns, severely impacting the hospitality industry. During 2020 to 2022, the worst of the pandemic, the airline industry was estimated to have lost more than US$200 billion.
Citing figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Patee said global airlines are expected to make $9.8 billion in net profit in 2023, double from its December 2022 forecast of $4.7 billion. IATA expects 4.35 billion people to take to the skies this year, not far off the 4.54 billion passengers who flew in 2019, pre-Covid.
“Demand for air travel has bounced back to the scale that airlines around the world are now grappling with the resurgence,” he said, adding the situation also bodes well for start-up carriers like RC.
Aircraft procurement and expansion
RC is poised to start as charter flight provider during March and May next year before gearing up to scheduled services. It will operate on medium-to-long-haul international routes from its base at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s main air hub.
The carrier will be using leased A330-300 wide-body jet aircraft, and discussions are on-going about securing more fuel-efficient and modern twin-aisle jets later on, such as Airbus 350s or Boeing 787s. It will start with two A330-300s, with two more expected to arrive by the end of 2024.
Routes: Asia first, followed by Europe
Really Cool Air would initially serve Japan, especially Tokyo’s Narita airport. During its first two years, RC is eyeing additional Asian routes, including Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai.
When the airline receives two more aircraft at the end of next year, it can then plan 2025 routes to Europe, notably secondary cities such as Georgia, situated on the dividing line of Europe and Asia.
RC targets 70% of its total passenger load to be international leisure visitors to Thailand and the remaining 30% being Thais, thus helping to promote the Kingdom’s tourism.
Innovations set the airline apart
RC is working strenuously to set new benchmarks in Thai aviation, weaving together innovation, state-of-the-art technology, and exceptional passenger services unlike others.
“We’re not just any airline – we’re a revolution in the making, and we’re excited to offer our customers bespoke travel experiences,” said the veteran airline executive Patee.
Among the innovations are door-to-door luggage delivery, a revolutionary loyalty program and the recent launch of ReallyCool US Digital Membership, a ground-breaking, interactive app-based program that allows members to tailor their travel experiences at a great value.
Viable model
By differentiating itself from other airlines by placing innovation and creativeness at the heart of its business structure, Mr Patee noted that RC has a winning structure in the highly volatile airline business.
He also added that the establishment of RC is just one of the businesses under the entity RC Airlines Company Limited. Once the RC brand is well-established, it can be used for a host of products and services with connections to the airline business or even those unrelated to flying, in alliance with partners around the world.
This diversification will help create other income streams to supplement the airline business and mitigate risks typically associated with airline operations, he explained.
“We may see the RC brand being carried over to a variety of exciting ventures. So the sky is the limit.”
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About Really Cool Airlines:
Really Cool Airlines is a Thai full-service airline founded by Patee Sarasin, one of Thailand’s leading entrepreneurs, with a mission to revolutionize aviation, tourism, and logistics through innovative and exceptional service. At Really Cool Airlines, global safety regulations are prioritized, and the airline is committed to facilitating travel around the world with the slogan “We Fly the Future”. The airline’s dedication to excellence, staff pride, and customer satisfaction sets it apart from the rest. Experience the difference at www.reallycoolairlines.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tom Van Blarcom, Managing Director, TQPR (Thailand) | tom@tqpr.com | 02-260-5820 ext. 111
Jidapa Parry, Senior Consultant, TQPR (Thailand) | mint@tqpr.com | 02-260-5820 ext. 113