Airlines seek govt support to make Thailand an aviation hub

Association president Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth on Monday commented on the current government’s achievements so far and its policies in promoting the tourism sector.

“Tourism is considered the country’s instant win. It produces quick results in upgrading people’s earning and quality of life,” he said. “Promoting tourism will create a positive impact not only for airlines, but also for communities and businesses such as hotels, transport, restaurants and retail.”

Puttipong, who is chief executive officer of Bangkok Airways Plc, said he is glad to see the government showing a strong stance in boosting tourism. However, he remarked that the goal of making Thailand an aviation hub in the region will need more than efforts from airline operators.

The goal is part of the of government’s “Ignite Thailand” initiative announced in February, which aims to make the country a hub for tourism, medical treatment, food, aviation, logistics, electric vehicles, digital economy and finance by 2030.

“Thailand has an advantage from its strategic location that can serve as an aviation hub in the CLMV [Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam] region,” he said. “However, we are not without competitors, especially Hong Kong and Singapore, which are already established aviation hubs in the Southeast Asia.”

Puttipong said airline operators can contribute to the goal by increasing flight routes and frequency and upgrading their services. Meanwhile, government agencies and related businesses must also do their part in supporting the country’s aviation industries.

“The government needs to step in regarding aspects that are beyond airlines’ power, such as negotiation to expand freedom of the air, expansion of airports, and organising tourism campaigns to attract potential travellers,” he said.

As for current expansion plan of Thai airline operators, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand reported that eight new operators have applied for air-operator certificates. Meanwhile, flag carrier Thai Airways International has procured 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to be added to its fleet from 2027.

Low-cost operators Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet and Thai AirAsia X have announced the addition of 18, 23 and four new aircraft respectively to their fleets from next year onward.