The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has recently announced the registration of nine new airlines, aimed at boosting the recovery of the aviation industry. They anticipate a significant upturn in passenger traffic, estimating it to reach 127 million this year.
Suttipong Kongpool, the Director of CAAT, expressed confidence in Thailand’s aviation sector’s gradual recovery. This progress is evident not only in increased passenger travel but also in the resurgence of aviation service providers.
These newly registered operators are currently in the process of applying for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to enable them to continue offering commercial services. Among these airlines is Asian Aerospace Services Ltd, authorized to operate non-scheduled flights from October 16, 2021, to October 15, 2024.
Siam Seaplane Co Ltd, the second company, received permission to conduct non-scheduled flights from May 3, this year, until May 2, 2028. Similarly, RC Airlines Co Ltd (Really Cool) was granted permission to operate both scheduled and non-scheduled flights from July 18, this year, until July 17, 2028.
Other companies, including Avanti Air Charter Co Ltd, M-Landarch Co Ltd, Bangkok Helicopter Services Co Ltd, Pattaya Airways Co Ltd, Asia Atlantic Airlines Co Ltd, and P80 Air Co Ltd, have been granted operating licenses for varying periods and are in the process of registering their operations.
Suttipong emphasized the growing interest of aviation businesses in registering in Thailand. These operators must apply for consideration to establish a commercial air transport license (AOL) and an air operator’s certificate, a process where the CAAT assesses their business plans, financial status, and service standards affecting passenger safety, ensuring compliance with regulations to prevent any issues impacting passengers.
The CAAT reassures that there are no airlines registered in Thailand at risk of closure that could disrupt passenger services. Despite cost reductions and the selling/returning of a significant number of aircraft by several airlines, positive indications are emerging. Some airlines are gradually resuming services, showing improvements in their financial standings.
The recovery of Thailand’s aviation industry is progressing towards pre-COVID levels, with passenger volume currently at 90% recovery from the 2020 levels of approximately 160 million passengers. This year, the CAAT forecasts a total of 127 million passengers, split into around 63.03 million international and 64.43 million domestic travelers.
This year is anticipated to mark Thailand’s aviation industry’s comeback, nearing normalcy, with an estimated total of 162 million passengers, comprising roughly 88.62 million international and 74.05 million domestic travelers.
