In 2024, more than 27 new airlines are expected to launch operations, representing a diverse and exciting new chapter in the aviation industry.
Note that the launch dates and specific details of these startups can be subject to change.
Airlines Set to Launch in 2024
1. Air Japan, Japan
- Launch Date: February 2024
- Focus: International routes complementing ANA’s existing network, offering affordable luxury
- Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliners
- Initial Routes: Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Honolulu (HNL), Bangkok (BKK), and San Jose (SJC), with plans for further expansion in Asia and North America
- Base: Narita International Airport
Air Japan, the new airline brand revealed in March 2022 for medium-haul international routes under ANA Holdings Inc., intends to begin operating commercial flights in February 2024. Air Japan will operate international routes, complementing ANA’s existing domestic and international network.
The carrier will focus on offering simpler, more affordable fares while maintaining high safety and service levels. Air Japan’s motto is “Fly with us! Experience the new sky with global standards and Japanese hospitality.”
Air Japan’s Boeing 787 will be configured with 324 Economy Class seats made of premium Japanese faux leather, renowned for its lightweight, durable, and soft texture.
2. Really Cool Airlines, Thailand
- Launch Date: Q2 2024
- Focus: Focus on Asian routes such as Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai initially
- Aircraft: Four leased Airbus A330-300
- Initial Routes: Full details to be revealed soon, but anticipated destinations include Tokyo Narita and Nagoya
- Base: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang International Airport
Really Cool Airlines is a brand new Thai full-service carrier slated to be launched in the second quarter of 2024. It is founded by Patee Sarasin, former chairman of Thailand’s low-cost carrier – Nok Air, with a mission to revolutionize aviation, tourism, and logistics through innovative service. The Thai carrier expects to receive its air operator’s certificate in the first quarter of 2024 and to launch operations in the second quarter.
Really Cool Airlines is expected to bring new passenger experiences and also take part in revitalizing Thailand’s aviation and tourism industries. With an initial crew of 130, the company will test the market with chartered flights from March to May, then switch to regular flights and later expand to European markets.
3. Global Airlines, UK
- Launch Date: Q2 2024
- Focus: Redefining luxury air travel with comfort and personalized service
- Aircraft: Four Airbus A380
- Initial Routes: London to New York and Los Angeles, with future expansion plans
- Base: London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport
Global Airlines is a British startup airline aiming to begin operations from London to New York and Los Angeles in spring 2024, using a fleet of four Airbus A380s. The company reportedly purchased its first A380 aircraft in May 2023, claiming to be the first new airline to do so in years. By deploying the A380 to the United States, it aims to become the first new airline to operate the aircraft type in eight years.
In November 2023, Global Airlines announced a supplier partnership for a refurbishment program which is set to commence on the airline’s first aircraft in January 2024. The UK-based startup has also partnered with HiFly, to accelerate the start of its operations using the A380.
4. Air Iveria (Georgia’s new flag carrier)
- Launch Date: Q2 2024 (exact date yet to be confirmed)
- Focus: Connecting Georgia to the world and the world to Georgia, showcasing Georgian hospitality
- Aircraft: Airbus A320neo (initially, with plans to include Airbus A330neo for long-haul destinations)
- Initial Routes: Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) to key European destinations like Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), and Paris (CDG), with future expansion plans
- Base: Tbilisi International Airport
Air Iveria, the new flag carrier of Georgia plans to start operations in 2024, using a fleet of Airbus aircraft. With its base in Tbilisi, the airline aims to eventually convert Tbilisi into a hub between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Air Iveria’s fleet will initially consist of three to four leased planes, with an initial investment of 20 million Euros.
5. Air Cahana, USA
- Launch Date: Late 2024
- Focus: Sustainable and personalized regional travel
- Aircraft: Single-engine turboprops (initially), transitioning to ATR turboprops powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and eventually hydrogen-electric propulsion
- Initial Routes: Regional connections within California and the Western United States, bypassing major hubs and connecting smaller airports
Air Cahana, a new airline based in California, is set to launch in late 2024, aiming to revolutionize the industry with hydrogen-powered aircraft. It is the first airline to be launched purely with a mission of decarbonizing aviation.
The California-based carrier will initially begin with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and adopt zero-emission propulsion systems as technology enters the market.
Air Cahana has partnered with ZeroAvia, a leading developer of hydrogen-electric aviation technologies, to ensure their future transition to zero-emission flights. The carrier has also placed an order for 250 hydrogen-electric ZA2000 engines.
6. NEOM Airlines, Saudi Arabia
- Launch Date: Q4 2024
- Focus: Futuristic vision of air travel in and out of NEOM city
- Aircraft: Retrofitting existing aircraft (initially), electric, hydrogen-powered, or supersonic aircraft in the future
NEOM Airlines, poised for launch by the end of 2024, is a new Saudi Arabian airline that will be initially based at NEOM Bay Airport.
They aspire to do something similar for the megacity of NEOM that Emirates did for Dubai.
“Other airlines are focused on the trip because they don’t participate in the front end or the back end of the trip. For us, things will be different. The Gulf airlines have done this to a degree, but we will take it to a new level. Without Emirates, for example, there wouldn’t be a Dubai right? Be ready for a completely different travel experience.”
NEOM Airlines former Chief Executive Officer, Klaus Goersch
7. P80 Air, Thailand
- Launch Date: Q4 2024 (anticipated)
- Focus: Connecting Thailand and key cities in China
- Aircraft: Boeing 737-800 NG jets for scheduled and non-scheduled passenger flights
- Base: Mueang International Airport (anticipated)
P80 Air is a brand-new airline in Thailand, awaiting its official launch in the last quarter of 2024. An airline spokesman said that the company expects to get its AOC in the next few months and start commercial operation in the last quarter of this year.
In the first two years of operation, P80 Air would fly mostly to secondary cities in China using four Boeing B737-800 NG aircraft. It is a subsidiary of Thoresen Thai Agencies, which has reportedly invested over 2 billion baht in the airline business. The agency has reportedly spent 500 million baht on establishing this new airline.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), Thai nationals are launching five new airlines in 2024 with a total investment of at least 3.85 billion baht. These airlines are eyeing a piece of Thailand’s growing aviation market which is estimated to reach 320 billion baht in value next year.
Uzbekistan’s New Airlines
Uzbekistan has recently welcomed two new airlines: Air Samarkand and Humo Air. Both airlines aim to cater to different segments of the market, offering exciting prospects for travelers and the Uzbekistan aviation industry.
Air Samarkand
Air Samarkand is the only airline in Uzbekistan based in Samarkand. It positions itself as a scheduled/charter carrier, with an initial focus on routes out of Samarkand. This new carrier aims to cater to business and leisure travelers seeking convenient connections to major international destinations.
In December last year, Air Samarkand inaugurated passenger flights, operating a charter flight to Istanbul. The flight was operated using its sole Airbus A330-300. Moreover, Air Samarkand expects to take delivery of an Airbus A320 and an A321neo this month.
“In the short term, we will focus on building an entirely Airbus fleet, to ensure that we deliver operational and maintenance efficiency for the business, so you’ll see us introduce more Airbus A320s and A321neos for short/medium haul operations, and A330s for long-haul services.”
Air Samarkand CEO Anton Khojayan told Simple Flying
Humo Air
Humo Air is Uzbekistan’s new low-cost airline which launched operations in December last year, with a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft. The LCC aims to offer competitive fares, focusing on high-frequency and efficient operations for domestic and regional travel within Uzbekistan and neighboring countries.
“Humo Air will strive to develop domestic tourism in Uzbekistan. Most importantly, the airline tries to give people the opportunity to be together as much as possible.”
HUMO Air spokesperson
HUMO Air has announced its plan to operate an all-Airbus fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. It currently operates two Airbus A320s and intends to operate four A320/A321 aircraft by early 2024 before launching international flights. Its fleet is expected to grow thereafter to 18 aircraft by the end of 2025.
| Airlines Name | Planned Launch | Country | |
| 1 | Air Tuvalu | Q1 | Tuvalu |
| 2 | AirAsia Cambodia | Q1 | Cambodia |
| 3 | Jettwings Airways | Q1 | India |
| 4 | Nigeria Air | Q1 | Nigeria |
| 5 | JetSMART Colombia | Q1 | Colombia |
| 6 | Really Cool Airlines | Q2 | Thailand |
| 6 | Surya Airways | Q2 | Indonesia |
| 8 | SEM New Air Antilles | Q1 | Guadeloupe, France |
| 9 | Liz Aviation (Togo) | Q1 | Togo |
| 10 | Ecojet Airlines | Q1 | Scotland |
| 11 | Air Cahana | Q4 | USA |
| 12 | Air Japan | Q1 | Japan |
| 13 | Air Iveria | Q2 | Georgia |
| 14 | Global Airlines | Q2 | UK |
| 15 | P80 Air | Q4 | Thailand |
| 16 | NEOM Airlines | Q4 | Saudi Arabia |
| 17 | Feel Air East | Q2 | Japan |
| 18 | LOUISAIR | Q1 | Germany |