Bangkok Airways Logo PNG
Bangkok Airways: Brand overview
Bangkok Airways, originally known as Sahakol Air, was established in 1968. It was Thailand’s first private airline, starting with Cessna and Piper small aircraft for domestic charter flights.
The business rebranded in 1986 and began running regular passenger flights between Bangkok and well-known Thai vacation spots, including Samui, Krabi, and Phuket. This marked a new stage of growth that would eventually see it become one of Southeast Asia’s top regional carriers.
This company was the first Thai airline to run an international route in 1989. The first foreign trip was to Siem Reap, Cambodia, well-known for its historic Angkor Wat temples. With this move, the airline began expanding internationally into nearby nations.
The airline continued to grow its route network in the 1990s, adding regular service to China, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Laos. The company used larger aircraft, like the ATR 72 and Boeing 717, increasing passenger capacity and operational effectiveness.
On the island of Samui, the company opened its first airport in 2000. The first private airport in the world to operate regular commercial flights is Samui Airport. This enhanced the company’s standing in the air travel industry in Southeast Asia.
2004, the airline inaugurated its second private airfield in Sukhothai, northern Thailand. Sukhothai Airport developed into a major hub for travelers passing through Bangkok to the country’s northern provinces and visiting the area’s historical landmarks.
The company became the first airline from Thailand to join the elite group of airlines known as “Oneworld,” a worldwide aviation alliance, in 2006. This membership allowed the company to improve its reputation internationally and provide passengers with a greater choice of routes and services.
This company was the first Thai airline to issue its shares on Thailand’s Stock Exchange in 2014. The successful initial public offering (IPO) brought in a sizable amount of capital for ongoing research and development and company growth.
In 2016, the airline increased its footprint in the rapidly developing Vietnamese aviation industry by starting flights to the brand-new Danang Airport. Launching this route was a significant component of the company’s strategy to improve its Southeast Asian standing.
As one of Thailand’s oldest and most prosperous airlines, Thai Airways celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018. The airline presented a revised corporate identity and aircraft livery for the anniversary celebrations, and several special events and promotions were held for customers and employees.
2019, the company continued its fleet modernization efforts by adding two new Airbus A319s and four ATR 72-600s. These sleek and effective aircraft increased operating efficiency and provided customers with more comfortable travel arrangements on regional routes.
Meaning and History
What is Bangkok Airways?
Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited is a well-known regional airline based in Bangkok, Thailand. Founded in 1968, the airline originally operated as Sahakol Air, providing contract air cab services to various organizations such as the Overseas International Construction Company (OICC), the United States Operating Mission (USOM), and several oil and natural resource exploration organizations in the Gulf of Thailand. The carrier operated scheduled flights to destinations in Thailand, Cambodia Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Singapore, and Vietnam. The transformation of Sahakol Air into the modern Bangkok Airways signifies a shift from a specialized service provider to an integrated airline serving a broader market.
1968 – today
The main symbol of Bangkok Airways represents three curved lines: red, blue, and gold. Two of these colors are borrowed from Thailand’s flag. The shape of the emblem is reminiscent of the country’s unique architecture, which is characterized by domes with pointed tops. The graphic symbol resembles a stylized feather or flame. The airline’s name is written in blue letters on the right side and is divided into two levels. The font has a unique design with smooth curves, sharp serifs, and jagged edges.
The choice of the colors of the Thai flag speaks to a strong sense of national identity. The unique design of the font, with its distinctive features, speaks to the airline’s commitment to providing a unique experience for its passengers. Stylized elements like a feather or flame symbolize freedom and dynamism, echoing the airline’s corporate identity.
FAQ
Is Bangkok Airways the same as Bangkok Airlines?
Bangkok Airways is a reputable Thailand airline known for its regular flights and excellent service. It owns and operates several private airports, including Samui Airport.
Bangkok Airlines is a reservation agency, not an airline. Understanding the difference between the two is important for clients. If you need to book flights or handle official airline business, you should contact Bangkok Airways directly through their official channels. Bangkok Airlines acts as a ticket broker, offering flights on various airlines.
What is the slogan of Bangkok Airways?
The airline’s slogan is “Asia’s Boutique Airline.” This slogan has been used since 2004 when it celebrated its 36th anniversary. The company emphasizes personalized service and meticulous attention to detail.
What is the acronym for Bangkok Airways?
The airline is known by the acronym “PG,” which comes from the IATA designation. IATA assigns each company a unique two-letter code for ticketing and flight scheduling. “PG” is used for international and domestic flight bookings and aviation databases. It also has an ICAO code, “BKP,” a three-letter code used worldwide in air traffic control and airline operations. Its full legal name is Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited, based in the Asia-Pacific region.
Is Bangkok Airways Thai Airways?
These are two different airlines based in Thailand. Bangkok Airways is a regional airline primarily operating short flights within Thailand and nearby countries. The focus is connecting small towns and popular tourist destinations in the region. Thai Airways, the national airline of Thailand, has wider global route coverage. It connects Thailand to many destinations worldwide and serves long-haul flights, playing a key role in international travel to and from the country. Both companies are important to Thailand’s aviation sector, although they have different roles and serve different types of routes.
