A global shortage of both new and used widebody aircraft is causing delays for Really Cool Airlines (LUV), according to CEO Patee Sarasin in an interview with the Bangkok Post. Despite this setback, he mentioned that the airline could potentially receive two aircraft as early as November.
Previously reported by ch-aviation, Sarasin had aimed to launch the airline by late 2023 and intended to operate four Airbus widebodies by the end of 2024. “If we get the first two aircraft in November, we plan to start with charter flights to Japan as originally scheduled, allowing us to refine our operations for three to four months,” Sarasin stated. He expressed hopes to begin scheduled flights in the first or second quarter of 2025 to take advantage of the anticipated high travel demand during that time.
Last year, Sarasin noted plans to start operations with A330-300s in 2024 and to introduce A350-900s in 2025. When ch-aviation sought clarification at that time, a spokesperson for Really Cool Airlines referred to lease negotiations as still ongoing.
Sarasin explained that delays in new aircraft deliveries have led operators to retain their existing fleets longer than expected, subsequently affecting the secondary aircraft market. The airline aims to function as a point-to-point service provider, primarily targeting the international inbound market. Initially, flights to Japan are planned, with intentions to later expand to regional airports including Hong Kong International, Shanghai Pudong, and Singapore Changi, before exploring long-haul routes to Europe.
