Regional commuter carrier Kan Air is now spending US$ 25 million to build an airport on Koh Phangan, offshore of Surat Thani.
BANGKOK – Thailand national newspaper Bangkok Post reports that commuter airline Kan Air, which started operation in 2010, is speeding its investments into the construction of a leisure airport in Phangan Island, in Surat Thani province in Southern Thailand. The carrier so far flies out of Chiang Mai to regional destinations such as Khon Kaen, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Pai and Phitsanulok. Aircraft serving the route is currently a Cessna Grand Caravan which offers up to 14 seats.
But the airline has bigger plans and is now looking to acquire more aircraft. It just acquired its first jet, a Beechcraft Premier which can accommodate 6 to 7 passengers and can fly to a speed of up to 1,000 km per hour.
The Bangkok Post reveals that the airline now considers to lease two ATR 72 and another two Embraer ERJ 145 regional jets. These aircraft would be put on routes serving Koh Phangan, an airport that the airline is currently building. Kan Air is in fact spending THB 700 million (US$ 25 million). Located in Surat Thani Province, Koh Phangan is currently only accessible by a 30-minute high speed ferry ride from Koh Samui. It is famous as backpacker destination as it welcomes famed “fullmoon” parties.
The airport is due to be completed by next year. Located east of the island it will have a small air terminal and a 1,100 m runway. Kan Air hopes then to launch non-stop flights to Bangkok Don Mueang airport. According to Somphong Sooksanguan, president of Kan Air and owner of Kannithi Co, the carrier plans to operate up to three daily frequencies with the ATR 42. It also plans to start flying from Don Mueang airport to Khon Kaen and Phitsanulok from early 2013.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
