Bangkok Airways vs KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Overview

Bangkok Airways is a Thai regional airline. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in 1968 as Sahakol Air and began operating as Bangkok Airways in 1989. It is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET: BA), is controlled by the Prasarttong-Osoth family company, and has its headquarters in Chatuchak district, Bangkok. It is not a member of a global alliance, but it has codeshare agreements with a number of airlines, including Air France, British Airways and Cathay Pacific (as of August 2024). The airline's press page shows it is operating in September 2026 and reported a net profit of THB 2.43 billion for the first half of 2026.

Network and hubs

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Samui are the main hubs. Operating bases also include Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Krabi and Phuket. The network is short-haul, covering domestic Thailand and nearby countries such as Cambodia, and Wikipedia lists about 20 destinations as of June 2026. The airline owns or operates several island and regional airports, and Samui is its best-known route.

Fleet

As of August 2025, Wikipedia lists 23 aircraft:

• 11 Airbus A319-100
• 2 Airbus A320-200
• 10 ATR 72-600, with 12 more on order

The jets are ageing, and the airline said in late 2024 that it was evaluating the Airbus A220 and Embraer E2 as replacements, with deliveries intended from around 2028.

On board

Economy is the main cabin. Third-party sources report a seat pitch of about 31 inches, and a snack and drink service on short flights. Premium Economy and Business classes exist on the fare structure. According to Flight Centre, the Blue Ribbon Club business cabin is offered only on the A319, not on the A320 or ATR. Business seats are recliners rather than lie-flat. Alternative Airlines reports that business passengers are given mini iPads for entertainment. These details come from third-party sources and may change.

Good to know

• Baggage: the airline's FAQ gives a checked allowance of 20 kg in Economy, 30 kg in Premium Economy and 40 kg in Business, with 10 kg for infants. Cabin bag limits differ between sources, so check at booking.
• Lounges: the Blue Ribbon Club lounges are free for Business passengers. Economy passengers can upgrade from the Boutique Lounge for THB 950 at Samui, Phuket and Chiang Mai. FlyerBonus Premier members can redeem 4,000 points for access.
• Loyalty: the frequent flyer programme is FlyerBonus. Premier members get extra baggage allowance on Bangkok Airways flights.
• Awards: the airline reports a Skytrax World's Best Regional Airline title for 2026.
• Not found: no published on-time figure or typical fare was found.

Overview

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the flag carrier of the Netherlands. According to Wikipedia, it was founded on 7 October 1919 and is often described as the world's oldest airline still operating under its original name. It is headquartered in Amstelveen and is part of the Air France–KLM group. KLM is a member of the SkyTeam alliance. Its subsidiaries include KLM Cityhopper, Martinair and Transavia.

Network and hubs

The hub is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Wikipedia lists scheduled passenger and cargo services to 171 destinations, covering Europe, North and South America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Many passengers connect at Schiphol between European feeder routes and long-haul flights, and KLM codeshares with SkyTeam partners such as Delta.

Fleet

The KLM fleet page on Wikipedia gives a mainline fleet of about 125 aircraft (accessed September 2026); the figure excludes subsidiaries. Narrow-bodies are mostly Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft, due to be replaced by the Airbus A320neo family. Wide-bodies used on medium and long-haul routes are the Airbus A330, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787. Air France-KLM announced an order for 50 Airbus A350 aircraft in September 2023. Fleet numbers change often, so check the sources for the latest count.

On board

• Long-haul cabins are World Business Class, Premium Comfort, Economy Comfort and Economy.
• According to OneMileAtATime, Premium Comfort is on all 777s and 787s, with about 38 in of seat pitch against about 31 in in Economy.
• According to Simple Flying, the 787s have lie-flat Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout.
• Entertainment, Wi-Fi and meal details vary by route and fare, so check KLM before travelling.

Good to know

• Hand baggage depends on fare, according to KLM. Economy Basic fares include only a small bag (40 x 30 x 15 cm) under the seat. Light, Standard and Flex fares add a hand baggage piece (55 x 35 x 25 cm), with a combined limit of 12 kg. Business Class allows two pieces and up to 18 kg combined. Basic passengers can buy hand baggage via My Trip up to 4 hours before departure.
• The KLM Crown Lounges at Schiphol are open to Business Class passengers and to Flying Blue Gold and Platinum members, who may bring one guest. Other travellers can pay for access. KLM also has Crown Lounges in Toronto and Houston.
• The loyalty programme is Flying Blue, shared with Air France.