Draft:Siam Seaplane

{{Short description|Thai luxury seaplane and aviation charter service}}

Siam Seaplane ({{langx|th|สยามซีเพลน}}) is a Thai luxury seaplane and aviation charter service headquartered in Bangkok. Established in 2019 as a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Seaplane Asia Limited, it operates both amphibious flights (under the Siam Seaplane brand) and land-based private charters (under Siam Scenic).

History and overview

Siam Seaplane was founded in 2019 with the aim of providing premium air services for tourism and executive travel in Thailand.{{cite web |date=16 April 2021 |title=When Opportunity Knocks, Worakanya Siripidej Runs To The Door |url=https://thailandtatler.com/society/opportunity-knocks/ |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=Thailand Tatler}} The company received its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC No. 0032) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) in March 2022, becoming Thailand's first seaplane operator.{{cite news |date=15 March 2022 |title=Thailand's First Seaplane Service Cleared for Takeoff |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2476321/ |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=Bangkok Post}} The company initially focused on developing operational infrastructure, including potential waterdromes across Thailand, and securing partnerships.{{cite web |date=16 March 2023 |title=Siam Seaplane set for mid-2023 launch, eyes foreign AOCs |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/122045/siam-seaplane-set-for-mid-2023-launch-eyes-foreign-aocs |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=ch-aviation}}

Siam Seaplane officially launched its land-based private charter service, Siam Scenic, in early 2024.{{cite web |date=12 May 2024 |title=Luxury Air Travel: Siam Scenic Review |url=https://www.tatnews.org/2024/05/siam-scenic-thailands-new-luxury-air-experience/ |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=TAT News}} Commercial amphibious operations under the Siam Seaplane brand are planned to commence in 2025.{{cite web |date=10 January 2024 |title=Siam Seaplane to Launch Amphibious Services in 2025 |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/125654-siam-seaplane-to-launch-amphibious-services-in-2025 |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=ch-aviation}}

= Operations =

The company's services are divided into two primary brands:

* Siam Seaplane: This brand is dedicated to amphibious flights, offering direct access to waterfront locations. Planned routes, set to commence in 2025, include connections between Bangkok and Pattaya, and services within the Andaman Sea region such as Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands.

* Siam Scenic: Operational since early 2024, Siam Scenic provides land-based private air charters. Services include flights from Bangkok to destinations like Hua Hin, with a typical flight time of approximately 60 minutes.

Fleet

As of May 2025, Siam Seaplane operates and plans to operate the following aircraft:

* Cessna 208 Caravan: The company intends to operate three Cessna Grand Caravan EX amphibious aircraft for its seaplane services upon their commercial launch.{{cite web |title=Our Fleet |url=https://www.siamseaplane.com/fleet |access-date=22 May 2025 |website=Siam Seaplane Official Website}}

* JEKTA PHA-ZE 100: Siam Seaplane has placed an order for 14 JEKTA PHA-ZE 100 electric/hydrogen-powered seaplanes, with deliveries anticipated to begin in 2030. This order represents a commitment to future sustainable aviation.{{cite news |date=5 September 2023 |title=Siam Seaplane Orders 14 Electric Seaplanes from JEKTA |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/siam-seaplane-orders-14-electric-seaplanes-from-jekta/152761.article |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=FlightGlobal}}

Partnerships

Siam Seaplane has established partnerships with luxury brands and hospitality providers in Thailand.

= Luxury brands =

* Maserati: In March 2024, Siam Seaplane collaborated with luxury car manufacturer Maserati for a joint marketing campaign, featuring the Maserati GranTurismo.{{cite news |date=8 March 2024 |title=Maserati Teams with Siam Seaplane for Luxury Campaign |url=https://www.campaignasia.com/article/maserati-teams-with-siam-seaplane-for-luxury-campaign/486921 |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=Campaign Asia}}

* CVSTOS: Swiss watchmaker CVSTOS became the official watch partner of Siam Seaplane in November 2023.{{cite news |date=22 November 2023 |title=CVSTOS Becomes Official Watch Partner of Siam Seaplane |url=https://www.watchpro.com/cvstos-becomes-official-watch-partner-of-siam-seaplane/ |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=WatchPro}}

= Hospitality =

The company has formed alliances with several luxury hotels and resorts to facilitate seamless travel for its guests, including:

* The Standard Hua Hin{{cite web |title=Partners |url=https://www.siamseaplane.com/partners |access-date=22 May 2025 |website=Siam Seaplane Official Website}}

* InterContinental Khao Yai

* Renaissance Pattaya

Sustainability

Siam Seaplane has outlined several initiatives focused on environmental sustainability:

* Carbon Offset Program: The company launched a carbon offset initiative in early 2024, supporting marine conservation efforts in Thailand.{{cite news |date=20 February 2024 |title=Siam Seaplane Launches Carbon Offset Initiative |url=https://www.ttgasia.com/2024/02/20/siam-seaplane-laundes-carbon-offset-initiative/ |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=TTG Asia}}

* Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Siam Seaplane plans to incorporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) into its operations starting in 2026.{{cite news |date=15 April 2024 |title=Siam Seaplane Partners With MagniX on Electric Retrofit |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-04-15/siam-seaplane-partners-magnix-electric-retrofit |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=AIN Online}}

* Electric Retrofit Partnership: The company has partnered with MagniX to explore the potential for electric propulsion system retrofits for its aircraft, aiming to further reduce emissions.

Leadership

* Dennis Keller: Chief Executive Officer of Seaplane Asia Limited (parent company of Siam Seaplane).{{cite web |date=21 February 2025 |title=Future Opportunities in Seaplane and Amphibious Aviation — Insights from FOSAA25 |url=https://www.siamseaplane.com/news/fosaa25 |access-date=22 May 2025 |website=Siam Seaplane Official Website}}

* Worakanya Siripidej: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Siam Seaplane.{{cite news |date=15 October 2024 |title=Siam Seaplane Transforms Thai Travel by Convenience and Luxury Service |url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/sponsored/2024/10/15/siam-seaplane-transforms-thai-travel-by-convenience-and-luxury-service/ |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=Khaosod English}}{{cite web |date=14 March 2025 |title=Welcoming our new COO |url=https://www.siamseaplane.com/news/coo |access-date=22 May 2025 |website=Siam Seaplane Official Website}}

* Captain Somyod Mahannop: Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Siam Seaplane, a role he assumed in 2025.

* Fabrice Mouton: Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Seaplane Asia Limited.{{cite news |date=14 August 2023 |title=Royal Group Samra Seaplane elevates Cambodia aviation landscape with launch of Aero Services |url=https://www.50skyshades.com/index.php/news/business-aviation/royal-group-samra-seaplane-elevates-cambodia-aviation-landscape-with-launch-of-aero-services |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=50 Sky Shades}}

Recognition

* Monocle's The Escapist: Siam Seaplane was featured in the 2025 edition of The Escapist, a travel annual published by Monocle magazine, highlighting unique travel experiences.{{cite web |title=The Escapist 2025: From the Editors of Monocle |url=https://monocle.com/shop/books/the-escapist-2025/ |access-date=22 May 2025 |website=Monocle.com}}

* Asian Sky Forum: The company received recognition at the Asian Sky Forum in 2024, an event focusing on business and general aviation in Asia.{{cite web |date=18 April 2024 |title=ASG Recognises Aviation Leaders at Asian Sky Forum 2024 |url=https://www.asianskypress.com/news/asg-recognises-aviation-leaders-at-asian-sky-forum-2024/ |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=Asian Sky Media}}