Kan Air (KND, Chiang Mai) has ceased all operations as of April 21 after being forced to ground its aircraft due to technical difficulties. Kan Air President Somphong Sooksanguan says that the airline will not close down altogether, but he expects to be operational again in the next few weeks.
Kan Air's ATR72-500 has been grounded since March 20 due to a problem with its propeller. The carrier's Cessna (single turboprop) Grand Caravan 208B has now also been grounded, leaving Kan Air with no option but to suspend ops.
As previously reported, Sooksanguan is keen to expand Kan Air's fleet with the addition of three ATR72-500s and one A319-100. The ATR fleet expansion will allow Kan Air to resume its Bangkok Don Mueang – Mae Sot route and add a flight from Bangkok to Phrae, while the addition of the A319 would allow it to increase its Don Mueang - Chiang Mai flights to twice daily. But any fleet expansion is contingent upon Sooksanguan finding partner investors.
