BBN Airlines Thailand Begins ACMI Operations, Partnering with Vietjet

BBN Airlines Thailand, the country’s first specialized ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) operator, has announced its inaugural partnership with Vietjet Thailand. This collaboration symbolizes the launch of BBN Airlines’ commercial operations.

The ACMI partnership took effect on December 1, 2025, with BBN Airlines supplying an Airbus A320 for Vietjet Thailand’s domestic routes, specifically connecting Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) with Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Established in October 2025, BBN Airlines received its Air Operator Certificate. The airline was known as Thai SmartLynx during its earlier development phase before transitioning to its current branding.

Partnership Details

As part of the agreement, BBN Airlines Thailand will provide a 180-seat economy-configured aircraft, along with skilled flight and cabin crews, maintenance services, and insurance. This arrangement enables Vietjet Thailand to concentrate on network management and enhancing customer experiences while enjoying greater operational flexibility.

Martynas Grigas, Chairman of BBN Airlines Thailand, remarked, “This partnership signifies a pivotal moment for us as we introduce flexible capacity solutions to Thailand and the surrounding region.” He expressed enthusiasm in welcoming Vietjet Thailand as their first ACMI partner, emphasizing the alignment of their services with the operational needs of Vietjet, particularly during the bustling holiday season.

To ensure high-quality service, onboard operations for the wet-leased flights will be jointly managed. A representative from Vietjet Thailand will be present on each flight, working closely with the crew from BBN Airlines to uphold the airline’s service standards.

Timing Amid Strong Travel Recovery

This partnership emerges during a period of significant recovery in Thailand’s aviation and tourism sectors. Data from Airports of Thailand (AOT) indicates that over 68 million passengers traveled through the country’s six major airports in the first half of fiscal 2025, marking a 12% increase compared to the previous year. Domestic travel alone accounted for over 26 million passengers.

International tourism has experienced a resurgence as well, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) noting more than 16.7 million arrivals from January to June 2025. This uptick is supported by a 7% year-on-year increase in incoming seat capacity, reflecting a rebound in Thai tourism towards pre-pandemic levels.

With the rise in travel demand and expanding regional tourism prospects, the ACMI partnership offers airlines the flexibility to manage capacity without making long-term commitments or hefty capital investments.

Both BBN Airlines Thailand and Vietjet Thailand are optimistic that this partnership will enhance reliable services for domestic travelers while bolstering Thailand’s status as a key aviation and tourism hub.

BBN Airlines Thailand is affiliated with Avia Solutions Group, recognized as the world’s largest ACMI provider.

What are your thoughts on the impact of this partnership on Thailand’s aviation landscape?