ACIA Aero Leasing delivers first ATR 72-500 bulk freighter to Pattaya Airways

ACIA Aero Leasing (ACIA), a regional aircraft lessor, has reported the delivery of the first of two ATR 72-500 bulk freighters to Thailand’s newest airline, Pattaya Airways. Pattaya Airways received the aircraft (MSN745) earlier in April 2024, with the second (MSN742) scheduled to be delivered 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 capitalise on growing domestic and regional cargo demand in Thailand and Southeast 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.”

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 Southeast Asia.

Pattaya Aviation is a privately owned company with a breadth of existing business interests across a wide spectrum of the aviation industry. The aviation arm of the Pattaya Group was founded in 2015 and has grown rapidly to become Thailand’s leading ground handling service provider. The company offers a range of airport services through passenger handling, flight operations, ramp services, cargo services, aircraft cabin cleaning, lounge services, GSE services, private and charter flights. The group has more than 3,000 employees and is headquartered in Bangkok.