Bangkok

Bangkok Airways, with ICAO code BKP, was established in 1968 as Sahakol Air, initially operating air taxi services for various organizations involved in oil and natural gas exploration in the Gulf of Thailand. It began scheduled services in 1986, becoming Thailand's first privately owned domestic airline, and rebranded to Bangkok Airways in 1989. The airline is known for its "boutique airline" concept, emphasizing high-quality service and Thai hospitality.

The airline's main operational base and primary hub is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, Thailand. It also considers Samui Airport (USM) a secondary hub. Bangkok Airways uniquely owns and operates three airports: Samui Airport, Sukhothai Airport, and Trat Airport, which support its tourism-focused routes.

Bangkok Airways operates a fleet primarily composed of Airbus A319s, Airbus A320s, and ATR72-600s. As of late 2024, the current jet fleet of Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft were aging, and the airline confirmed it was evaluating Airbus A220 and Embraer E-Jet E2 jets as possible replacements, with deliveries intended to begin around 2028. Its route network spans domestic and international destinations across Asia, including countries like Thailand, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Laos, Maldives, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Singapore. The airline aims to be a dominant operator in the Indochina region.

Bangkok Airways is not a member of any major global airline alliance (like Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or Oneworld), having rejected the idea due to prohibitive fees and restrictions. However, it does participate in Global Explorer, a round-the-world fare program offered by Oneworld member airlines and selected partners outside the alliance, and maintains numerous codeshare agreements with various airlines. Notable services include complimentary lounge access for all passengers, regardless of their travel class, as well as complimentary checked luggage. The airline offers both Economy Class and a premium Blue Ribbon Class (Business Class), which provides benefits such as priority check-in, priority baggage handling, access to the Blue Ribbon Club Lounge, and larger seats. In-flight, passengers often receive hot meals with real cutlery even on short flights. The airline also has a frequent flyer program called FlyerBonus.