Phuket seaplane service plans September launch across Andaman region

Thailand’s first commercial seaplane operator plans to launch a Phuket seaplane service by September, linking Phuket with destinations across the Andaman region. Thai Seaplane said on May 17 the service is aimed at high-end travel, with initial flights designed to cut journey times to resort islands and coastal hubs.

Initial routes, travel times and fares

Commercial flights will start on Andaman routes lasting no more than 1 hour 30 minutes, including Phuket-Krabi, Phuket-Phi Phi Island, Krabi-Phi Phi Island, Phuket-Similan Islands and Phuket-Lipe Island.

The first operating points will be Phuket International Airport, Cape Panwa and Krabi airport. Thai Seaplane said the Phuket-Krabi trip will take about 20 minutes, compared with roughly three hours by road.

One-way fares on the Phuket-Krabi route will be capped at US$150, or about 4,849 baht per seat. Chief executive Kasinpoj Rodkho said the service is intended to create faster links between major destinations and island attractions.

The company expects foreign luxury travellers to make up around 70% of passengers, with Thai travellers accounting for the remainder.

Investment, aircraft and regulatory backing

Thai Seaplane was established on Oct. 3, 2023, with registered capital of 25 million baht. Kasinpoj said the company initially set aside more than 100 million baht for investment over its first three years, covering aircraft procurement, infrastructure and personnel development.

Total investment has since risen to about 300 million baht. The fleet is expected to grow from one aircraft to five within three years.

The company said it spent six years preparing the project, including specialized pilot training in the United States and Germany. Its first aircraft, an orange seaplane named PP, has already been imported and is stationed in Krabi.

Docking facilities for passenger transfers have been completed in Krabi. Kasinpoj said the project accelerated after the Civil Aviation Authority introduced regulations in 2025 covering seaplane operations and temporary water landing facilities.

Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3256370/highend-phuket-seaplane-service-to-connect-to-andaman-spots