BBN Airlines Thailand Launches ACMI Ops with Vietjet Partnership
Thailand’s Aviation Sector Gets Boost as BBN Airlines Thailand Launches ACMI Operations
BBN Airlines Thailand, the nation’s first specialized Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) operator, has commenced commercial operations with Vietjet Thailand as its inaugural partner, marking a significant milestone in Thailand’s aviation recovery.
Effective December 1, 2025, BBN Airlines Thailand began supplying a single Airbus A320 in 180-seat economy configuration to Vietjet Thailand for domestic services connecting Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport with Chiang Mai and Phuket. Under the comprehensive ACMI arrangement, BBN Airlines provides not only the aircraft but also experienced flight and cabin crew, full maintenance services, and insurance coverage.
The move comes as Thailand’s aviation sector experiences robust expansion. According to Airports of Thailand (AOT) data, more than 68 million passengers transited through its six main airports during the first half of fiscal 2025, representing a 12% year-on-year increase. Domestic traffic alone accounted for over 26 million passengers, underscoring strong regional connectivity demand. International tourism has similarly surged, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand reporting 16.7 million arrivals between January and June 2025, supported by a 7% increase in inbound seat capacity.
“This partnership represents a key milestone for BBN Airlines Thailand as we roll out flexible capacity solutions to Thailand and the region,” stated Martynas Grigas, Chairman of BBN Airlines Thailand. “We are delighted to welcome Vietjet Thailand as our first ACMI partner and confident our support will align with their operational needs, especially as we enter the busy holiday season.”
The ACMI model offers distinct advantages for airlines facing capacity constraints. By outsourcing aircraft operations, Vietjet Thailand can focus on network management and customer experience while maintaining operational flexibility without significant capital expenditure or long-term commitments. Service quality is maintained through joint cabin crew coordination, with Vietjet Thailand representatives aboard each flight ensuring compliance with the airline’s service standards.
BBN Airlines Thailand received its Air Operator Certificate in October 2025, following its development phase under the previous name Thai SmartLynx. As a partner of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI provider, BBN Airlines benefits from extensive global expertise and operational support.
The partnership timing proves fortuitous as Thailand consolidates its position as a major aviation and tourism hub. Industry analysts expect the flexible capacity solutions offered through ACMI arrangements to play an increasingly critical role in meeting surging travel demand while supporting sustainable growth across Southeast Asia’s aviation ecosystem.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764676846229-1057