Lion Air plans Thai subsidiary

 Indonesia’s low-cost airline, Lion Air, has made a move into Thailand’s aviation market, with plans to launch a new Thai subsidiary.

Although plans for Thai Lion Air first came into light six years ago, Thailand’s Civil Aviation Department confirmed the plans this week, but stressed the airline is yet to submit an application for an air operator’s certificate.

Despite awaiting official authorisation, the carrier has reportedly even started recruiting pilots, cabin crew and ground staff to operate the airline and is expected to base its six single-aisle twin-jet Boeing 737-800s at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok Post reported.

The Civil Aviation Department director-general Woradej Harnprasert said the airline’s entry into Thailand would intensify the already competitive market.

"Lion Air's entry is good for more healthy competition, giving passengers choice," Mr Woradej said.

Meanwhile, the carrier’s chief executive Rusdi Kirana told media earlier this year it was exploring its options to start a subsidiary in Thailand as well as Australia.

According to the report, the airline has apparently reached an agreement to acquire 49 percent of an unnamed Australian company and base six aircraft out the country.

Sourced: etravelblackboardasia