Sky’s the limit: Nine new airlines on board for Thailand aviation recovery

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced the registration of nine new airlines to bolster the aviation industry’s recovery. The authority remains confident that passenger traffic will reach 127 million this year, forecasting a significant recovery this year.

The Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, Suttipong Kongpool, stated that Thailand’s aviation industry is on a steady path to recovery. This is evident not only from the increase in passenger travel but also from the resurgence of aviation operators.

This year, nine new operators have applied for Civil Aviation Business Licences, and they are currently preparing to apply for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to continue providing commercial services.

Among the nine airlines registering for the new license is Asian Aerospace Services Ltd, which was granted permission to operate non-scheduled flights from October 16, 2021, to October 15, 2024.

The second company, Siam Seaplane Co Ltd, was granted permission from May 3 this year to May 2, 2028, to operate non-scheduled flights. The third company, RC Airlines Co Ltd (Really Cool), was granted permission from July 18 this year to July 17, 2028, to operate both scheduled and non-scheduled flights.

Other companies include 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. All these companies have been granted operating licenses for varying periods and are in the process of registering their operations.

Thailand aviation recovery

Suttipong further mentioned that many aviation business operators want to register in Thailand. According to the process, they have to apply for consideration to establish a commercial air transport license (AOL) and an air operator’s certificate. Both sections of the CAAT will review the business plan, financial status, and service standards that will affect passenger safety. It must comply with the law to prevent passenger abandonment cases.

The CAAT assures that there are no airlines registered in Thailand that could potentially close down and affect passengers. Even though many airlines have reduced their business costs, selling and returning a large number of aircraft, positive signs are emerging. Several airlines are gradually accepting deliveries to provide services and have continuously improved their financial status, reported KhaoSod.

According to the CAAT, the recovery of Thailand’s aviation industry is nearing pre Covid-19 levels. Currently, passenger volume has recovered 90% from 2020, which had approximately 160 million people. Throughout this year, the CAAT forecasts a total of 127 million passengers, comprising approximately 63.03 million international and 64.43 million domestic passengers.

The trend for this year is expected to be the year of Thailand’s aviation industry recovery, with passenger volume returning to normal. The estimated number stands at 162 million, divided into approximately 88.62 million international and 74.05 million domestic passengers.