Summary
- Siam Seaplane will redefine luxury travel in Thailand with its unique seaplane service.
- The airline will operate the amphibious Cessna Grand Caravan EX, offering comfort and versatility.
- Siam Seaplane prioritizes safety, environmental sustainability, and luxurious partnerships with resorts and VIP experiences.
Siam Seaplane, Thailand’s new premium seaplane service, is poised to redefine luxury travel in the country. With its unique offering, Siam Seaplane stands out in Thailand’s rapidly evolving aviation sector.
Siam Seaplane is among nine new airlines set to launch operations in 2024, signaling a significant recovery and expansion of Thailand’s aviation industry post-COVID. Over the past year, Siam Seaplane has demonstrated its commitment, most notably by acquiring its Air Operator License (AOL). Here are five key facts about this pioneering airline.
5 The Cessna Grand Caravan EX Amphibian
Excellent amphibious qualities and adeptness at land and water landings
Maximum Range | 813 nm (1,506 km) |
Maximum Cruise Speed | 164 ktas (304 km/h) |
Powerplant Power Rating (Pratt & Whitney Canada) | 867 shp (647 kw) |
Siam Seaplanes will operate the amphibious Cessna Grand Caravan 208 EX. The aircraft accommodates up to eight guests, featuring reclining executive leather seats that are all first class, and it is equipped with filtered air conditioning and power outlets for added convenience.
The seating arrangement includes middle-facing seats, complemented by lacquered high-gloss wood veneer accented tables with ample legroom for all passengers. Additionally, there is a 2-place cushioned divan located at the rear. The seats are designed to move and rotate, allowing various configurations to suit different needs.
The Cessna Grand Caravan EX stands out for its adaptability, effortlessly switching roles between VIP transport, medical evacuations, and cargo operations. It’s also noteworthy for its amphibious qualities and adeptness at land and water landings.
This aircraft’s maximum take-off weight is an impressive 4,110 kg, which includes a payload capacity of 1,400 kg. This allows for a generous amount of space for passengers and their belongings. The floats, while waterproof, also provide extra storage for lighter items.
Moreover, the Grand Caravan EX is quieter than a standard speedboat, offering a more comfortable experience for those onboard. Safety-wise, it’s a reliable choice. In the past 13 years, with over 10 million flight hours in the US, there have been only three seaplane and boat collision incidents, highlighting its commendable safety record.
Siam Seaplane also offers private jet charter services (using Hawker 850XP and Cessna Citation Mustang) by collaborating with air charter providers, acting as an air charter broker rather than a direct air carrier with operational authority over aircraft. Furthermore, individuals who reserve a private jet through Siam Seaplane will enjoy an exclusive VIP bonus when booking seaplane flights.
4 Over twenty destinations served
Siam Seaplane flight operations will be only during daylight hours
Routes | 22 |
Main “hub” | Bangkok’s Best Ocean Airpark |
Siam Seaplane, as mentioned on their website, will only operate flights during daylight hours. This decision is to ensure safety and to give passengers the best views of Thailand’s breathtaking landscapes.
They have listed 22 destinations within Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi, Khao Lak, Khao Yai, Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Koh Phangan, Koh Racha, Koh Samui, Koh Talu, Koh Tao, Koh Yao, Krabi, Pattaya, Phi Phi Islands, Phuket, Prachuap, and Rayong.
Their operations base will be Bangkok’s Best Ocean Airpark, a private airfield operational since August 2009. Located under an hour’s drive from central Bangkok, the airfield offers a quick and smooth transfer from car to aircraft, with free car parking adjacent to the planes. Additionally, Siam Seaplane plans to open an airport lounge, enhancing the check-in experience and providing a relaxing space for travelers before or after flights.
3 Low environmental impact goal
Seaplanes are less polluting than conventional aircraft
| Infrastructure Impact | Airports for large aircraft require significant land use and construction, which can affect local ecosystems. |
| Emission Altitude | Emissions from high-altitude flights (like those of conventional aircraft) can have different environmental effects compared to low-altitude emissions from seaplanes. |
| Type of Fuel | Seaplanes may use more specialized fuels that have different emission profiles compared to the kerosene-based jet fuels used in larger aircraft. |
(Photo: Siam Seaplane)
Siam Seaplane’s aircraft will use highly efficient Pratt & Whitney turbine engines using refined kerosene fuel, offering numerous environmental benefits over conventional aircraft. These turbine engines are up to 90% more efficient than traditional piston engines and emit zero lead emissions, making them a cleaner choice.
Additionally, seaplanes like the Cessna Grand Caravan EX are designed with EPA-approved fuel and oil containment systems, ensuring no contamination of surrounding habitats.
Besides that, unlike the environmental concerns associated with constructing new airports, seaplanes only require access to bodies of water, offering fast, safe, and low-impact transportation to remote areas without the need for extensive infrastructure. Also, seaplanes do not disturb underwater marine life due to their lack of underwater propellers, and their minimal water immersion of just 2 feet poses no risk to marine species or corals.
5 Of The Biggest Flying Boats Of All Time
Flying boats reached incredible sizes in their peak era.
These aircraft also produce 30% less noise than conventional large transport planes and require shorter distances for take-off and landing, resulting in minimal surface noise pollution.
When booking a flight, a “Sustainable by Design” banner shows the estimated CO₂ emission from the flight operated by Siam Seaplane compared to a conventional flight. The airline states that it compensates for all carbon emissions via programs in partnership with local initiatives such as turtle conservation and coral planting. Moreover, by choosing the Siam Seaplane Platinum Package, the airline will donate part of the revenue to a local sustainability project, non-governmental organization, or charity of customer choice.
2 Luxurious partnerships
Resorts and VIP experiences
Resorts | Irene Luxury Beach Resort and Àni Private Resorts |
| VIP experiences | Skydive Dropzone Thailand, Elephant Safari and water sports |
Siam Seaplane also offers customers exclusive deals from resorts. Among the airline partners, the Irene Luxury Beach Resort on Koh Lipe invites passengers to experience the island’s tranquil ‘Chao Lay’ lifestyle with luxurious pool villa accommodations.
Moreover, at Àni Private Resorts on Koh Yao Noi, an all-inclusive, private resort awaits a single group of guests with stunning views of Phang Nga Bay, offering four Suites and four Villas, a sparkling main swimming pool, and personalized experiences curated by a dedicated staff of 22.
In addition, the Thai airline offers a range of luxurious and adventurous experiences across Thailand. In Rayong, the Skydive Dropzone Thailand provides a breathtaking skydiving experience with options like Economy (skydive only), Deluxe (skydive with handy-cam video), and VIP (skydive with handy-cam video, photograph, and panorama video by a personal photographer) from 13,000 feet.
The Unique Challenges Faced By Skydiving Pilots
Jump pilots face complex challenges in safely transporting their parachuting passengers.
In Kui Buri National Park, the airline offers an Elephant Safari, a half-day tour to see elephants and other wildlife, with transfers arranged from Bangkok. In Kanchanaburi, water sports enthusiasts can indulge in activities like wake surfing, jet skiing, and jet boarding at Pla2 & Z9 Resort.
1 Siam Scenic
Premium & personalized private charter and sightseeing flights
| Aircraft used | Cessna Grand Caravan EX |
| Service offered | Flexible routes with options for tailored and on-demand trips |
| Pricing | From 111,800 THB ($3,103 USD) to 358,200 THB ($9,950 USD) |
Siam Seaplane is gearing up to introduce Siam Scenic, a new service offering private sightseeing flights in Thailand. This venture aims to provide unique aerial experiences, leveraging the capabilities of the Cessna Grand Caravan EX airplane.
The service features flights like a 45-minute trip from Bangkok to Hua Hin and a 50-minute journey to Khao Yai. Prices for these excursions vary, with the Platinum Package for the Bangkok to Hua Hin route starting at 335,400 THB ($9,309) and the trip to Khao Yai priced at 358,200 THB ($9,950).
Charter services will be available to Hua Hin (one-way trips start at 111,800 THB ($3,103) and round trips at 146,600 THB ($4,072)) and Khao Yai (from 119,400 THB ($3,317) for one-way and 158,200 THB ($4,393) for round trips).
Siam Seaplane’s objective is to offer a direct route to Thailand’s stunning locations, sidestepping the need for traditional runways. This approach allows passengers to reach beachfront or riverside destinations seamlessly. The company’s dedication to enhancing Thailand’s tourism landscape is evident, as it opens access to some of the nation’s most beautiful and less accessible spots.
Ever experienced a seaplane flight? If you haven’t, does the idea excite you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
