Tourism Travel – The Seaplane Aviation Solution

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By Editor

Thailand’s First Seaplane Airline Has Landed at Hua Hin Airport

 

Thailand‘s first seaplane airline ‘Siam Seaplane’ is set to launch this summer, promising regional tourism travel will soon have a seaplane solution.  A spokesperson for the company told the Royal Coast Review ‘’We will be using Hua Hin airport, starting our service imminently now under the Siam Scenic brand.  Our first aircraft is currently stationed at Hua Hin airport. 

 

Chief Business Operator Dennis Keller says that ‘’Thailand is among the top ten tourist destinations in the world, and with so much coastline, seaplanes are the “premium product” missing from the market.’’  In a recent interview Keller said that the company faced plenty of setbacks during the pandemic, but is now working on securing over 40 landing sites around Thailand.

 

After the company’s founders realised this untapped opportunity in Thailand’s aviation industry, they entered conversations with the Thai government about the reality of introducing Siam Seaplane in 2019.  It took two to three years of coordination with the government to ensure that flying seaplanes was a safe and viable option, says Keller.

 

Siam Seaplane has received its first aircraft delivery, a Cessna Grand Caravan, now at Hua Hin Airport, and is expecting the delivery of two additional aircraft in the coming months. In the next five years, the airline hopes to be flying a 15-aircraft-strong fleet.

 

At first, the airline will offer charter flights and scenic flights before going commercial. Once water landing sites are given the go ahead, the amphibious aircraft will be used to its fullest extent.  “Constructing new airports poses a significant environmental concern; permanent location and destruction of a natural habitat, construction, and waste disposal. Seaplanes require only a body of water, suitable beach, or a floating dock.’’

 

The airline’s primary hub will be Bangkok, to serve the Gulf of Thailand, with most flights taking around one and a half hours.  Along the Royal Coast, Cha-Am and Hua Hin, Kui Bui, Khao Yai and Koh Talu are amongst favoured destinations. 

 

The company says “Siam Seaplane will offer Thailand’s first of its kind premium seaplane service — providing faster, easier and seamless access to waterfront resorts, beaches and marinas.  A premium service for any holiday makers, groups of friends, families, and VIP treatment for discerning executives and influential persons.’’

 

‘’We are already planning for a water landing site in Cha-Am.  There will be several water landing sites in the Prachuap Khiri Khan province, including Pranburi and Kui buri. We are working closely alongside hotel/resort partners, for example Tolani Resort Kui Buri.’’

 

ABOUT THE AIRCRAFT

 

The Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft is one of the most widely used aircraft in the World and is known for its dependable and efficient performance by regional airlines and charter operators worldwide. Its powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada engine delivers 867 horsepower, flying at cruise speeds of up to 155 knots (288 kph/155 mph) with a range of 500 nautical miles or around 900 kilometres.

 

This is an amphibious seaplane, enabling take-off and landings at both airports and on water, providing access to destinations not serviced by traditional aircraft or accessible by helicopter with an ability to arrive directly in front of waterfront resorts and other coastal locations.

 

 

The craft offers luxury and comfortable seating for up to eight guests with articulating reclining executive leather seats, filtered air conditioning, a coffee machine, interior storage and power outlets.  Middle facing seats have tables for work or pleasure and ample leg room for all.  There is a two seat cushioned divan in the rear with seats able to move and rotate for any configuration. 

 

PARTNER HOTELS & RESORTS

 

Siam Seaplane has described developing partnerships with 60 luxury hotel and resorts, including top brands Intercontinental and Four Seasons.   Specific mention is made in relation to the Tolani Resort Kui Buri and the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin Resort with access to popular coastal cities and tourist destinations in the Gulf of Thailand.

 

PROJECTED FLIGHTS

 

A connection between Bangkok and Hua Hin is described as a 45 minute flight from the VIP lounge at Don Muang airport directly to Hua Hin airport, or vice versa.

 

A charter one way flight has been priced from 111,800 THB ($3,103 USD) or a round trip from 146,600 THB ($4,072 USD).  A Platinum Package is priced from 335,400 THB ($9,309 USD)

 

A variety of scenic flights are projected along the regional coastline.  From Hua Hin, fly over the Gulf of Thailand to see the stunning islands along the Pattaya coastline and back to Hua Hin.

 

Sightseeing fight duration 60 minutes:

Platinum Package:  From 217,500 THB ($6,035 USD)

Charter price, From 72,500 THB ($2,012 USD)

Per guest price:  From 16,900 THB ($467 USD), min 4 guests

 

See more information at https://www.siamseaplane.com/ and www.siamscenic.com

 

Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2023/02/tourism-travel-the-seaplane-aviation-solution/

 

 

-- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2023-02-09

 

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[phetphet]

Bangkok to Hua Hin. 45 mins USD 3000 one way? As soon as I saw that cabin configuration I thought it would be expensive.

 

Still, I  suppose for some people the convenience will be worth it.

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

Not quite the first.

Samui Seaplanes

This was a thread on Thai Visa back in 2006.

Flights to Burma for visa runs (amongst other things).

There is a long murky story behind it.

[phetphet]

3 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

Not quite the first.

Samui Seaplanes

This was a thread on Thai Visa back in 2006.

Flights to Burma for visa runs (amongst other things).

There is a long murky story behind it.

Wasn't that some Coco job?

[Tropicalevo]

43 minutes ago, phetphet said:

Wasn't that some Coco job?

Yes.

They eventually 'stole' the plane after a refurb and flew to Singapore where they were arrested.

Singapore sent fighter jets to intercept them as they had no flight plan to go there. They were supposed to be just 'engine testing' around Samui.

 

https://<URL Automatically Removed>/thailand-and-asia-news/23991-koh-samui-plane-forced-land-singapore.html

[ourmanflint]

Loved flying around the Maldives on the DeHavilland Otter Planes, but not so sure about these retrofitted Cessna's, one flipped over during landing while we were there.

[puck2]

And no word about the noise pollution?

Would Hua Hin win oder lose tourists/costumers?

[observer90210]

At such a hefty price it won't last. Not to mention the noise for the high rise condos and swanky hotels around. A flop from A to Z.