U Airlines of Thailand reaches for the sky

[JuliusWong 0]

New player plans 19 jets in aggressive start

 

Published: 1/11/2012 at 12:00 AM

 

U Airlines, a Thai startup carrier with bright orange aircraft, has announced lofty plans that have left some airline executives scratching their heads.

 

U Airlines’ sole A320-200, built in 1992 and configured with 20 seats in business class and 126 in economy, is parked at Don Mueang airport.

 

The carrier plans to have a fleet of up to 19 jets including an A380 double-decker superjumbo that will serve more than 20 domestic and international destinations as far afield as Istanbul.

 

But the plan, unveiled yesterday by founder and president Jiradej Worapiankul, is being looked upon as aggressive and ambitious for a new player in this highly competitive industry.

 

Industry insiders say this is especially true for an airline whose name was known only within a close circle only a month or two ago.

 

In an interview with the Bangkok Post, Mr Jiradej, who describes himself as a businessman with interests in several business including cable TV, expressed determination to proceed with the plan, which would allow U Airlines to cash in on growing air travel.

 

"I've been considering an airline for a long time now, and I'm convinced it is a viable proposition based on the country's open skies policy and growing global demand for air travel," he said.

Mr Jiradej said the advent of the Asean Economic Community in 2015 will also open up new airline opportunities.

 

U Airlines quietly took to the skies in September with the inauguration of charter flights from Bangkok to Yancheng, China, on its sole A320-200 narrow-body jet, followed by Inchon, South Korea, last month.

 

Its second A320-200, also pre-owned and leased, is undergoing a "C" check, whereby the entire aircraft is inspected at Garuda's aircraft maintenance centre in Jakarta.

The second aircraft will start operating sometime this month, enabling the airline to start its move from charter service alone to scheduled flight frequencies.

 

U Airlines' plan calls for 18 jets A320s, A330s and B767-300s plus an A380, all of them leased by next year.

 

For more info: http://www.bangkokpo...hes-for-the-sky

 

A380!??!!! Lets see how long does this airline survive?

[flee 5]

So far this is a one plane airline:

 

U Airlines

Airbus A320-231: MSN 308 Reg: HS-CTA First Flight: 24-02-1992 Delivered: 31-07-2012

[JuliusWong 0]

So far this is a one plane airline:

 

U Airlines

Airbus A320-231: MSN 308 Reg: HS-CTA First Flight: 24-02-1992 Delivered: 31-07-2012

Previous name was Crystal Thai Airlines which didn't manage to get off, hence HS-CTA rego. Now rebranded as U Airlines. When will we see 'I Airlines'?

[Ikman Ikreza 0]

So far this is a one plane airline:

 

U Airlines

Airbus A320-231: MSN 308 Reg: HS-CTA First Flight: 24-02-1992 Delivered: 31-07-2012

 

Looks U Airlines is now get ready to fly

 

[reezal 0]

They should collaborate with U Mobile :-)

[KK Lee 5]

They should collaborate with U Mobile :-)

 

Or sue each other

[flee 5]

Who will they be leasing the A380 from?