Bangkok Airways is charting a new course for 2026, transitioning from its legacy boutique airline branding towards a future defined by environmental responsibility and strategic regional connectivity.
The airline’s president, Puttipong Prasarttong-osoth shared the carrier’s new guiding vision with TTG Asia: “Leading aviation with responsibility, delivering services with sustainability”.
This shift marks a departure from traditional service-only metrics, placing environmental, social, and governance at the heart of the airline’s operations.
Bangkok Airways has already begun its journey toward decarbonisation. Since 2025, the airline has integrated a one per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend on its international routes.
“We are moving along with the IATA and ICAO plans,” Puttipong noted, indicating intention to increase SAF usage over time.
The airline is also doubling down on upcycling initiatives. This includes repurposing aircraft seatbelts and seat covers into fashion accessories, and collaborating with local communities to turn discarded oyster shells into creative products – think coasters and paving blocks – made from shell cement.
While Bangkok remains the primary gateway, the airline is planning to develop Phuket as its secondary international hub.
“So many flights are now coming through Phuket, either from Europe or the Middle East. If we can tap into those international arrivals and provide new domestic routes, (it will create a gateway),” he explained.
Historically, travellers who wished to explore more than Thailand following their arrival in Phuket would have to backtrack through Bangkok, adding hours to their journey. The new strategy involves launching direct, cross-country routes – such as Phuket to Trat – to provide a more efficient and seamless journey.
Bangkok Airways continues to eschew formal airline alliances in favour of a massive network of independent partnerships, currently maintaining 30 codeshare partners, such as Singapore Airlines and Emirates, as well as 70 interline partners.
“Our size allows us to be a network that supports anyone who flies to Thailand,” Puttipong explained. He noted that by remaining independent, the carrier can collaborate with all major alliances simultaneously.
