Bangkok Airways (PG) is one of Thailand’s premier boutique airlines, operating an extensive domestic and regional network across Southeast Asia. Headquartered in Bangkok, the airline is renowned for its premium service model, ownership of several airports, and strong reputation for customer service.
Unlike larger international carriers, Bangkok Airways focuses primarily on short-haul and regional operations, connecting popular destinations such as Koh Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Cambodia and neighbouring Asian countries. The airline operates a relatively small but modern fleet of Airbus and ATR aircraft, offering pilots a stable regional airline career with attractive lifestyle benefits.
Bangkok Airways Pilot Salary
In 2026, Bangkok Airways pilot salaries remain competitive within Thailand’s aviation industry, with compensation packages including base salary, flight pay, allowances, travel benefits and operational incentives.
Bangkok Airways First Officer Salary
In 2026, first officers at Bangkok Airways generally earn between THB 1.3 million and THB 2.4 million per year, approximately USD 36,000 to USD 67,000 annually, depending on seniority, aircraft type and annual flying hours. Newly hired first officers operating ATR 72 aircraft typically begin near the lower end of the salary range, while experienced Airbus A319 first officers earn considerably more.
As pilots accumulate seniority and flight experience, annual earnings increase through additional flight pay, productivity incentives and operational allowances. First officers operating high-frequency regional schedules often earn toward the upper end of the compensation scale.
Although Bangkok Airways salaries are generally lower than those offered by Gulf carriers and some major Asian airlines, the airline’s favourable lifestyle, home-based operations and stable scheduling remain attractive to many pilots in Southeast Asia.
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Bangkok Airways Captain Salary
Captains at Bangkok Airways earn significantly more due to command responsibilities and operational experience.
In 2026, captains typically earn between THB 3 million and THB 5 million per year, equivalent to approximately USD 84,000 to USD 140,000 annually, depending on aircraft type, seniority and yearly utilisation. Captains operating Airbus A319 aircraft generally earn more than those operating the ATR fleet.
Senior captains, training captains and line check pilots may receive additional compensation through instructor duties and operational supplements. While Bangkok Airways does not offer the tax-free compensation available in the Gulf region, it remains one of Thailand’s more desirable airlines due to its reputation, work environment and quality of life.
The airline’s boutique operational model also tends to provide more predictable roster patterns and shorter duty periods compared with many larger international carriers.
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Benefits Enjoyed by Bangkok Airways Pilots
Bangkok Airways pilots are entitled to the following set of benefits.
- Travel Privileges – Pilots and eligible family members receive discounted and standby travel benefits.
- Flight Pay and Operational Allowances – Additional compensation is provided based on flying hours and operational duties.
- Medical and Insurance Coverage – Comprehensive healthcare and insurance benefits are available.
- Retirement Benefits – Pilots receive retirement-related benefits under company policies and Thai employment regulations.
- Training and Career Development – Bangkok Airways provides recurrent simulator training and opportunities for command progression.
- Stable Regional Operations – Pilots benefit from predominantly short-haul and regional flying schedules.
- Home-Based Lifestyle – Most operations allow pilots to spend more time at home compared to long-haul international airlines.
- Strong Corporate Reputation – Bangkok Airways maintains one of the strongest reputations among Southeast Asian regional carriers.
What Aircraft Do Bangkok Airways Pilots Fly?
Bangkok Airways operates a modern regional fleet, which includes the following aircraft.
- Airbus A319-100 – 11
- Airbus A320-200 – 2
- ATR 72-600 – 10
Requirements To Become A Pilot for Bangkok Airways
Bangkok Airways pilots need to meet the following hiring requirements.
- Age: Maximum 50 years old.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Science or Engineering) with a minimum GPA of 2.75.
- Physical Standards: Minimum height of 163 cm. Vision must not exceed -3.00, and candidates who have undergone LASIK or PRK must wait at least one year before applying
- Hold a valid ICAO Commercial Pilot Licence or Airline Transport Pilot Licence.
- Possess a valid Class 1 medical certificate.
- Demonstrate ICAO English proficiency.
- Hold valid multi-engine and instrument ratings.
- Previous multi-crew experience is preferred for airline positions.
- Meet minimum flight hour requirements specified for the position.
- Pass aptitude assessments, simulator evaluations, and technical interviews.
- Meet Thai employment and regulatory requirements.
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Hiring Process for Bangkok Airways Pilots
Bangkok Airways requires all its pilots to pass the following steps in their recruitment.
- Application – Candidates submit applications with licences, medical certificates, flight records and supporting documentation through the airline’s recruitment channels.
- Initial Screening – Recruitment teams review qualifications, total flying hours, aircraft experience and operational background before shortlisting candidates.
- Technical And Aptitude Testing – Applicants complete technical evaluations, psychometric assessments and aptitude testing to assess operational capability and decision-making skills.
- Simulator Assessment – Candidates undergo simulator evaluations where assessors evaluate aircraft handling, crew resource management, SOP compliance and situational awareness.
- Interview Stage – Successful candidates participate in interviews with management pilots and HR representatives to assess technical competence, professionalism and cultural fit.
- Medical and Background Verification – Final candidates complete medical examinations, security screening and employment verification before receiving formal offers.
Bottom Line
In 2026, Bangkok Airways continues to offer competitive pilot careers within Southeast Asia’s regional airline market.
First officers generally earn between THB 1.3 million and THB 2.4 million per year, while captains may earn between THB 3 million and THB 5 million annually, depending on seniority, aircraft type and operational productivity.
With its strong corporate reputation, stable regional operations and attractive work-life balance, Bangkok Airways remains one of Thailand’s most desirable airline employers for pilots.
Bangkok Airways Pilots Salary FAQs
Bangkok Airways pilots typically earn between THB 1.3 million and THB 5 million per year, depending on rank, experience and aircraft type.
Most Bangkok Airways pilots are based in Bangkok and operate from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Bangkok Airways pilots primarily operate Airbus A319, Airbus A320, and ATR 72-600 aircraft on domestic and regional routes throughout Southeast Asia.
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