Pbair Website

[TexasRanger]

I spoke to PB air again yesterday and they said they cannot be sure if they will have the new planes by December and advised me to refund my tickets for November and fly to Udon with another carrier. They confirmed it was a contractual issue with aircraft.

My speculation is that the new planes were late and BKK air tried to hold them to ransom by locking into another contract with them and they said no.

Anyway, a shame and I hope they start flying again soon.

[FarangFlyer]

I spoke to PB air again yesterday and they said they cannot be sure if they will have the new planes by December and advised me to refund my tickets for November and fly to Udon with another carrier. They confirmed it was a contractual issue with aircraft.

My speculation is that the new planes were late and BKK air tried to hold them to ransom by locking into another contract with them and they said no.

Anyway, a shame and I hope they start flying again soon.

PB has had some issues of late. They gave back their leased Embraer Jets, and wet leased ATRs from Bangkok Airways temporarliy while they sought out new aircraft. However, a few rumours circulating recently (before 1st Nov) suggest that the DCA were not happy for PB to continue operating with another carriers aircraft; and the second rumour was that Bangkok Airways had not been paid, and therefore took the aircraft back.

During this time PB Air had arranged for new aircraft (Saab 340) to be leased from Saab leasing. So far the aircraft have not arrived, and I can only guess that it is due to financial difficulties.

A large majority of the domestic routes in Thailand are controlled to an extent by Thai Airways. PB air previously negotiated these routes. Although at one point Nok Air was keen on operating the Sakhon/Nakhon Phanom routes, they were not allowed. (For another carrier to take up these routes permission must normally be sought from the DCA and Minister of Transport).

I would be surprised now as we arrive into the high season if politicians will allow these routes to go unserviced. So unless PB air start operations agian soon, it would not surprise me to see NOK Air or other carriers operating into Isaan Airports in the near future.

If these routes are particularly important to you, perhaps it wouldn't go amiss to have a chat with your 'city mayor' and have them put political pressure for the routes to be re-serviced. Afterall, it has been tried and tested in Mae Hong Song when Thai Airways planned to pull out, and thanks to city wide protests in the province orcastrated by the Mayor, the route was maintained.

Edited November 14, 2009 by FarangFlyer

[gotlost]

HEY may be a good time for 12Go to step in.

[zzaa09]

HEY may be a good time for 12Go to step in.

If that's the case, best to take the train.

[kimamey]

Will be a sad day for places such as Roi-Et if PB Air is not back in business soon.

I cannot believe any Farang would consider the bus service from Isaan to BKK. I regularly drive the 580kms and almost every time there is the remains of a bus that has crashed off the road due to sleepy driver and red bull wearing off. Great way to end it all I would suggest.

I was in Isaan at the end of October and the beginning of November to visit my gf. We travelled by VIP bus from BKK to Mahasarakham (not sure of company) and then from Khon Kaen to BKK using Nakhon Chai Air (stupid name for a bus company). First Class was full so we used Gold Class which was fine just slightly narrower seats I think. I know they use 2 drivers for safety. Certainly more comfortable than 7 to 9 hours flying in economy as I have to do when flying to Thailand. I don't have a hip problem but my back is not good following a car accident in 1994 and I found it ok.

Nakhon Chai Air happens to be the best bus company in Thailand (safety) and has excellent service. Oh and your name sounds stupid also to a Thai so get use to there names.

Thanks for that. I would certainly recommend them. As for the silly name I was referring to the "Air" part just sounds like it should be a plane but it isn't like one. Then again maybe if I could afford to fly business class I might see the similarity.

My name doesn't seem to be a problem actually maybe because Kim is common in Korea. More of a problem in the UK where people assume I'm female.

[siam2007]

I spoke to PB air again yesterday and they said they cannot be sure if they will have the new planes by December and advised me to refund my tickets for November and fly to Udon with another carrier. They confirmed it was a contractual issue with aircraft.

My speculation is that the new planes were late and BKK air tried to hold them to ransom by locking into another contract with them and they said no.

Anyway, a shame and I hope they start flying again soon.

PB has had some issues of late. They gave back their leased Embraer Jets, and wet leased ATRs from Bangkok Airways temporarliy while they sought out new aircraft. However, a few rumours circulating recently (before 1st Nov) suggest that the DCA were not happy for PB to continue operating with another carriers aircraft; and the second rumour was that Bangkok Airways had not been paid, and therefore took the aircraft back.

During this time PB Air had arranged for new aircraft (Saab 340) to be leased from Saab leasing. So far the aircraft have not arrived, and I can only guess that it is due to financial difficulties.

A large majority of the domestic routes in Thailand are controlled to an extent by Thai Airways. PB air previously negotiated these routes. Although at one point Nok Air was keen on operating the Sakhon/Nakhon Phanom routes, they were not allowed. (For another carrier to take up these routes permission must normally be sought from the DCA and Minister of Transport).

I would be surprised now as we arrive into the high season if politicians will allow these routes to go unserviced. So unless PB air start operations agian soon, it would not surprise me to see NOK Air or other carriers operating into Isaan Airports in the near future.

If these routes are particularly important to you, perhaps it wouldn't go amiss to have a chat with your 'city mayor' and have them put political pressure for the routes to be re-serviced. Afterall, it has been tried and tested in Mae Hong Song when Thai Airways planned to pull out, and thanks to city wide protests in the province orcastrated by the Mayor, the route was maintained.

so much for politics and politicians trying to be involved in airline business (that's what the new THAI president publicly complained about yesterday).

Now THAI is being forced to send planes on the route to MaeHongSon, that are often not even half full and make a big loss.....

[Mr Conrad]

Hi, just a quick update found this on the net today.

http://th.jobsdb.com/TH/EN/Job.asp?R=JDBT093706912&RSS=1

Looks like we will be flying in and out of Don Muang if this is correct. Not good for connecting flights, but better than no air service at all.

Best Regards

Mr Conrad

Not sure whats going on just noticed the closing date for applicants ?? (edit)

Edited November 18, 2009 by Mr Conrad

[Dave the Dude]

Hi, just a quick update found this on the net today.

http://th.jobsdb.com/TH/EN/Job.asp?R=JDBT093706912&RSS=1

Looks like we will be flying in and out of Don Muang if this is correct. Not good for connecting flights, but better than no air service at all.

Best Regards

Mr Conrad

Not sure whats going on just noticed the closing date for applicants ?? (edit)

Now I am really confused.

This topic is about PBAir and the above press release is from NOK Air

[stinkyfarang]

errr dave

i fink ya sposed to read between da lines and worki out dat nok air be taking over da root, hence flying out from the airport at DM airport.

dats what i fink

[zzaa09]

Wonder how this is going to impact on the highly antisipated grand re-opening of Surin Airport

Re-opening, indeed. You're far too optimistic, Dave

[zzaa09]

I spoke to PB air again yesterday and they said they cannot be sure if they will have the new planes by December and advised me to refund my tickets for November and fly to Udon with another carrier. They confirmed it was a contractual issue with aircraft.

My speculation is that the new planes were late and BKK air tried to hold them to ransom by locking into another contract with them and they said no.

Anyway, a shame and I hope they start flying again soon.

PB has had some issues of late. They gave back their leased Embraer Jets, and wet leased ATRs from Bangkok Airways temporarliy while they sought out new aircraft. However, a few rumours circulating recently (before 1st Nov) suggest that the DCA were not happy for PB to continue operating with another carriers aircraft; and the second rumour was that Bangkok Airways had not been paid, and therefore took the aircraft back.

During this time PB Air had arranged for new aircraft (Saab 340) to be leased from Saab leasing. So far the aircraft have not arrived, and I can only guess that it is due to financial difficulties.

A large majority of the domestic routes in Thailand are controlled to an extent by Thai Airways. PB air previously negotiated these routes. Although at one point Nok Air was keen on operating the Sakhon/Nakhon Phanom routes, they were not allowed. (For another carrier to take up these routes permission must normally be sought from the DCA and Minister of Transport).

I would be surprised now as we arrive into the high season if politicians will allow these routes to go unserviced. So unless PB air start operations agian soon, it would not surprise me to see NOK Air or other carriers operating into Isaan Airports in the near future.

If these routes are particularly important to you, perhaps it wouldn't go amiss to have a chat with your 'city mayor' and have them put political pressure for the routes to be re-serviced. Afterall, it has been tried and tested in Mae Hong Song when Thai Airways planned to pull out, and thanks to city wide protests in the province orcastrated by the Mayor, the route was maintained.

so much for politics and politicians trying to be involved in airline business (that's what the new THAI president publicly complained about yesterday).

Now THAI is being forced to send planes on the route to MaeHongSon, that are often not even half full and make a big loss.....

Imagine what the Thai {domestic} skies might be with a little free and open competition... Thai domestic has historically pulled the strings and dominated influence for decades. Since the great domestic carrier boom of the late '80s into the '90s, many small local airlines would serve the respective communities and survive well if not for political stanglehold that Thai Airways enjoys.

[Dave the Dude]

errr dave

i fink ya sposed to read between da lines and worki out dat nok air be taking over da root, hence flying out from the airport at DM airport.

dats what i fink

Prehaps you would kindly read between these lines and thanks for the George Raft

http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/econom...zons-for-pb-air

Dave

[Dave the Dude]

Wonder how this is going to impact on the highly antisipated grand re-opening of Surin Airport

Re-opening, indeed. You're far too optimistic, Dave

Your probably right zzaa09

It was posted with tongue firmly in cheek

Dave

[torrenova]

I used the route from Bangkok to Buriram a lot and though for Thailand, the price at about Bt2500 each way was high, it was just so convenient. Check in 10 minutes before take off, no baggage number or weight issues. The only way to travel if not driving IMHO. I even used it when I wanted to go to Pattaya rather than the (relative) awful bus (even NCA VIP).

So sad to see them fold but many times I flew with less than 20 on the 55 seat Embraer and often about 15. Lowest was about 7. When they changed to the 70 or so seat turboprop ATRs from Bangkok Airways I thought they actually increased volumes but changing the flight times was a real inconvenience for me and perhaps others as well.

Now if they advertised better for western passengers and flew to Pattaya then I reckon they could well continue in business as many blokes put off the trip "oop north" for fear of the long bus ride and there are plenty of working girls from Buriram and the nearby provinces.

[Dave the Dude]

Now if they advertised better for western passengers and flew to Pattaya then I reckon they could well continue in business as many blokes put off the trip "oop north" for fear of the long bus ride and there are plenty of working girls from Buriram and the nearby provinces.

Now that is a very good idea,Andy.

Plus you might even have a plane full of cuties going to & from Pattaya flying on thier 'Dark Lings' money.

Dave

[Mr Conrad]

Came across this news snippet on the net today, now I'm really confused as to what is going on. First Nok Air advertising for ground staff in Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon and Buriram now this

A delay in the delivery of new aircraft has forced PB Air, an airline founded by Boon Rawd Brewery beer baron Piya Bhirom-Bhakdi, to halt its entire flight operation.

Delivery of the two Saab 340s, leased from the US-based aircraft lessor AeroCentury, was postponed because PB Air found the condition of the Swedish-made turboprops unacceptable.

The first Saab 340 was supposed to be delivered in September and the second in October, but the delivery was put off until "probably" the end of next month, said PB Air chief executive Pornsartid Naruenartwanich.

The airline was forced to suspend all flights, starting this month, as it has no aircraft at its disposal because of the delivery delay and Bangkok Airways repossessing two ATR 72-500 turboprops at the end of October it leased to PB Air.

Bangkok Airways declined to extend the lease of the two French-made ATRs to PB Air until the 33-seat Saab 340s are available because it wants to use them to serve high-season demand.

PB Air began the lease in April this year to substitute for two Brazilian-made Embraer ERJ 145 LR jets that were returned to the American aircraft lessor Gecas after seven years in the airline's service.

AeroCentury has not yet confirmed delivery by around Christmas of the planes leased for five years, said Mr Pornsartid.

PB Air's website said all flights were "suspended until further notice".

While it is unclear why PB Air declined to accept the two Saabs, he said: "We want to make sure that corrections are made to the two aircraft so when we take delivery they are in perfect condition."

He stopped short of saying PB Air would make the California-based aircraft leasing firm accountable for the loss of business opportunity during the high travel season.

PB Air operates from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport to seven domestic destinations: Lampang, Mae Sot, Nan, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Buri Ram and Roi-et.

The 19-year-old airline earlier announced plans to inaugurate flights to Chumphon, probably with four flights a week, and Surin, with three flights a week, later this year using the twin-engined Saab 340s.

The two Saab 340s leased by PB Air are about 12-13 years old, and were used in flights in the US previously.

The Saab 340 was first rolled out in 1983 and production ceased in 1999 after 459 were built.

Best Regards

Mr Conrad

[torrenova]

Now if they advertised better for western passengers and flew to Pattaya then I reckon they could well continue in business as many blokes put off the trip "oop north" for fear of the long bus ride and there are plenty of working girls from Buriram and the nearby provinces.

Now that is a very good idea,Andy.

Plus you might even have a plane full of cuties going to & from Pattaya flying on thier 'Dark Lings' money.

Dave

I am serious Dave. I must have heard hundreds of guys in my bars saying thing along the lines of "I'm not going on a bus" or "I'm not going on that bloody bus again" or "I would go if they flew" etc. Then there are all those who take a taxi or don't complain. They are never going to fill planes with free loading monks and regular Thais because most Thais cannot afford it and those that can afford it have shiny cars to drive up in !

I wonder if they have ever thought about a round trip where they go to perhaps 2 or 3 airports. For sure, journeys would be longer but even a 2 stop idea might bring in enough people. What would Buriram and Surin as a dual centre bring in ? and Korat has to feature.

Edited November 19, 2009 by torrenova

[dhrobertson]

Came across this news snippet on the net today, now I'm really confused as to what is going on. First Nok Air advertising for ground staff in Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon and Buriram now this

A delay in the delivery of new aircraft has forced PB Air, an airline founded by Boon Rawd Brewery beer baron Piya Bhirom-Bhakdi, to halt its entire flight operation.

Delivery of the two Saab 340s, leased from the US-based aircraft lessor AeroCentury, was postponed because PB Air found the condition of the Swedish-made turboprops unacceptable.

The first Saab 340 was supposed to be delivered in September and the second in October, but the delivery was put off until "probably" the end of next month, said PB Air chief executive Pornsartid Naruenartwanich.

The airline was forced to suspend all flights, starting this month, as it has no aircraft at its disposal because of the delivery delay and Bangkok Airways repossessing two ATR 72-500 turboprops at the end of October it leased to PB Air.

Bangkok Airways declined to extend the lease of the two French-made ATRs to PB Air until the 33-seat Saab 340s are available because it wants to use them to serve high-season demand.

PB Air began the lease in April this year to substitute for two Brazilian-made Embraer ERJ 145 LR jets that were returned to the American aircraft lessor Gecas after seven years in the airline's service.

AeroCentury has not yet confirmed delivery by around Christmas of the planes leased for five years, said Mr Pornsartid.

PB Air's website said all flights were "suspended until further notice".

While it is unclear why PB Air declined to accept the two Saabs, he said: "We want to make sure that corrections are made to the two aircraft so when we take delivery they are in perfect condition."

He stopped short of saying PB Air would make the California-based aircraft leasing firm accountable for the loss of business opportunity during the high travel season.

PB Air operates from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport to seven domestic destinations: Lampang, Mae Sot, Nan, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Buri Ram and Roi-et.

The 19-year-old airline earlier announced plans to inaugurate flights to Chumphon, probably with four flights a week, and Surin, with three flights a week, later this year using the twin-engined Saab 340s.

The two Saab 340s leased by PB Air are about 12-13 years old, and were used in flights in the US previously.

The Saab 340 was first rolled out in 1983 and production ceased in 1999 after 459 were built.

Best Regards

Mr Conrad

Thanks for this information. Where did you unearth this?

[tubber]

Excellent info there Mr.Conrad, keep it up. Hope PBAir keep flying out of the new airport and don't have to fly Nok from DM. You must have way waaaaaaay to much time on hands , is the weather that bad?

[Mr Conrad]

Hi tubber,

Yes, you are right way too much time on my hands and pretty sad really. Only looking as I have a vested interest (same as yourself) to know what is happening. Looks like Air Asia from Udon for the foreseeable future

Good to see you getting net access at work, or are you back home already?

Weather been okay here for this time of year, will be a lot better when I arrive back in NKP end of this week.

Best Regards

Mr Conrad

[tubber]

Mr Conrad

Air Asia from Udon? I think I flew with them once and it was crap. Do Thai also fly to Udon, I only ask because I don't pay for the flights and I presume Thai fly from the new airport? Not due back till mid December, but got a local SIM card over here and can surf the net when alongside. Nothing else to do in this godforsaken place, no bacon butties, or booze, fun is banned and everybody looks thoroughly miserable ashore. From one of the articles you posted looks like PB might be on the go early next year? Bring your winter woolies for NKP.

Regards

Jim

[dhrobertson]

Thai fly to both Udon and Ubon. Air Asia fly to Ubon. Nok Air were flying to Udon.

However this is about PB Air. All 8 of the airports they flew to now have no service......,.

[Mr Conrad]

Hi, latest update that I know of, looks like Nok Air is the new carrier for some of the old PBAir routes.

Special promotion on just now.

http://www.nokair.com/s1000_obj/contents/h...motionEsanGV2En

Best regards

Mr Conrad

[Mr Conrad]

Here is the proposed schedule.

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsworld.php?id=458186

Best Regards

Mr Conrad

[tubber]

Here is the proposed schedule.

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsworld.php?id=458186

Best Regards

Mr Conrad

Sterling effort Mr Conrad keep up the good work. So PB Air will not be resuming their service? Much reduced service but better than nothing I suppose. How long does it take to get from the new airport to DM and where does the shuttle bus leave from? Looking at the Nok Air website "How to book and pay" looks like a right pain the nuts. Might just fly to Udon, at least I can get a night on the lash and get the bus the next day.

[InSiSongkram]

Thanks for that Mr. Conrad and keeping us updated just booked 3 tickets to BKK next week from Sakhon so I`ve avoided the dreaded bus. Tubber the payment method is easy just the same as any other online payment but they give you 3 ways to pay such as ATM or 7-Eleven.

[tubber]

Thanks for that Mr. Conrad and keeping us updated just booked 3 tickets to BKK next week from Sakhon so I`ve avoided the dreaded bus. Tubber the payment method is easy just the same as any other online payment but they give you 3 ways to pay such as ATM or 7-Eleven.

Cheers InSiSongkram, trouble is I don't pay or book the tickets and it is done outside Thailand. So I guess I just turn up on the day and see what happens.

[Mr Conrad]

Latest Update,

Confirmation in the business section of the Newspaper that you are not allow to mention on these pages. PBAir are officially no more. I would post a link but am not allowed to, against forum rules.

Looks like a reduce service with Nok Air for the foreseeable future. Still better than nothing I suppose.

Best Regards

Mr Conrad

[siam2007]

Latest Update,

Confirmation in the business section of the Newspaper that you are not allow to mention on these pages. PBAir are officially no more. I would post a link but am not allowed to, against forum rules.

Looks like a reduce service with Nok Air for the foreseeable future. Still better than nothing I suppose.

Best Regards

Mr Conrad

yes PBAir is history now and ceased operations for good. another airline gone bust after 20 years in operation....

still no service resumed to some of those secondary deatinations they used to serve. bad for the local people there.

topic can actually be closed now ^^

[sbk]

CLOSED