Lighter airplanes open new horizons for PB Air

PB Air is adding two new light aircraft to its fleet as part of its business optimisation and expansion plan.

The airline, controlled by Boon Rawd Brewery baron Piya Bhirom-Bhakdi, has leased two twin-engine turboprop Saab 340s from AeroCentury, a California-based aircraft leasing and financing firm, for five years.

The first of the Saabs, which are about 12 years old, is due to join the carrier’s fleet, now comprising two larger French-made ATR 72-500 turboprops leased from Bangkok Airways, by the end of September. The second aircraft is scheduled for delivery a month later.

PB Air director Heribert Gaksch said the two Saab 340s were well suited to demand patterns on two new routes – Bangkok-Surin and Bangkok-Chumphon – that it plans to introduce.

(Bangkok Post)