New aircraft delivery delay downs PB Air

TOURISM

A delay in the delivery of new aircraft has forced PB Air, an airline founded by Boon Rawd Brewery beer baron Piya Bhirom-Bhakdi, to halt its entire flight operation.

Delivery of the two Saab 340s, leased from the US-based aircraft lessor AeroCentury, was postponed because PB Air found the condition of the Swedish-made turboprops unacceptable.

The first Saab 340 was supposed to be delivered in September and the second in October, but the delivery was put off until "probably" the end of next month, said PB Air chief executive Pornsartid Naruenartwanich.

The airline was forced to suspend all flights, starting this month, as it has no aircraft at its disposal because of the delivery delay and Bangkok Airways repossessing two ATR 72-500 turboprops at the end of October it leased to PB Air.

Bangkok Airways declined to extend the lease of the two French-made ATRs to PB Air until the 33-seat Saab 340s are available because it wants to use them to serve high-season demand.

PB Air began the lease in April this year to substitute for two Brazilian-made Embraer ERJ 145 LR jets that were returned to the American aircraft lessor Gecas after seven years in the airline's service.

AeroCentury has not yet confirmed delivery by around Christmas of the planes leased for five years, said Mr Pornsartid.

PB Air's website said all flights were "suspended until further notice".

While it is unclear why PB Air declined to accept the two Saabs, he said: "We want to make sure that corrections are made to the two aircraft so when we take delivery they are in perfect condition."

He stopped short of saying PB Air would make the California-based aircraft leasing firm accountable for the loss of business opportunity during the high travel season.

PB Air operates from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport to seven domestic destinations: Lampang, Mae Sot, Nan, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Buri Ram and Roi-et.

The 19-year-old airline earlier announced plans to inaugurate flights to Chumphon, probably with four flights a week, and Surin, with three flights a week, later this year using the twin-engined Saab 340s.

The two Saab 340s leased by PB Air are about 12-13 years old, and were used in flights in the US previously.

The Saab 340 was first rolled out in 1983 and production ceased in 1999 after 459 were built.