Sources indicate that Thai AirAsia may be working to launch a Thai subsidiary of the AirAsia X brand. The rumours began when Thai AirAsia CEO, Tassapon Bijleveld, diluted his stake in Asia Aviation (AAV), which owns 51% of Thai AirAsia from 33% to 28.05% to raise US$50million (THB1.5billion) for three new projects needed to support TAA's growth plan.
These projects include two budget hotels in Bangkok and an investment in a sister airline of long-haul discount carrier AirAsia X.
AirAsiaX is reported to have sought Thai authorities' endorsement for an air operator's certificate to operate regular flights from Bangkok Don Mueang International (DMK) to South Korea and Japan using two A330-300s.