IATA calls for Thailand to urgently address safety, capacity and cost issues

IATA called (18-Feb-2016) on Thailand's Government to urgently address safety, capacity and cost issues to keep the country's aviation sector competitive. The association estimated aviation and related activities account for two million Thai jobs and generate USD29 billion in GDP, and may grow to 3.8 million jobs and USD53 billion in GDP by 2035. IATA director general and CEO Tony Tyler said, "Aviation is critical to Thailand's economic success. It is the backbone of the tourism industry and provides critical global business links...It is in jeopardy, however, unless key issues of safety, capacity and costs are addressed urgently." IATA highlighted the following issues:

• Safety: Government-level concerns raised by ICAO and the US FAA must be addressed. IATA also requested Thailand mandate IOSA as a requirement for all Thai-registered airlines;
• Capacity: IATA called for the Thai Government to adopt a strategy to concentrate traffic at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport as the major hub for Bangkok, address safety concerns about 'soft spots' on the tarmac, taxiways and apron area, fast-track the second phase of terminal expansion, plan for a third runway and consult stakeholders on a long-term master plan for development of the country's airport infrastructure;
• Costs: IATA called for the Government to focus on improving the country's cost competitiveness in transport and tourism. The association noted Thailand's "extremely competitive" operating environment. Mr Tyler said it is in Thailand's interest to review or abandon proposals which increase the cost of transportation, including taxes and charges which have "chipped away" the country's aviation competitiveness. [more - original PR]