Thailand Awaits European Assessment with Bated Breath

10th Dec 2015

Thailand is relying on new airline inspectors to aid it in addressing some of the biggest hurdles highlighted in the country's aviation industry safety downgrade by the international regulator.

The government in Bangkok will especially be on their toes this Thursday as it awaits an assessment from Europe

The United Nation's International Civil Aviation Organization found more than 1,000 deficiencies earlier in 2015 and was forced to cut Thailand's aviation safety rating. On 1st December, the United States Federal Aviation Administration also downgraded Thailand. As a result, Thai airlines are barred from adding new routes to U.S.

If the European Commission makes the same decision, this would be a serious blow to the country's tourism and economy.

Perhaps the biggest loser here would be Thai Airways. The carrier is losing money as it is and it would be difficult for it to recover from this as well. Thai Airways is the only Thai carrier to fly to Europe.

However, in a statement issued this Wednesday, THAI said that it:

'Has a situational plan and business continuity plan in place.'

What Problems is Thailand Facing Here?

The biggest issue, according to ICAO is the lack of qualified personnel to address licensing carriers and pilots.

Montol Suchookorn from the newly formed Command Center for Resolving Civil Aviation Issues said:

'If we can solve the issued highlighted by ICAO, problems with other agencies will be gone as well.'

At the moment, Thailand has 49 inspectors. However, it needs 86 in order to check all its fleet and passenger jets. According to the secretary at the Command Center, the government will train new personnel, but is also asking local carriers to provide pilots who can become inspectors as well.

Mr. Pradabmook said:

'The European list is drawn up by the E.U. Air Safety Committee, which comprises representatives of all member states plus three non-E.U. countries and the European Aviation Safety Agency. European officials visited Thailand in November to review its aviation regulator, Thai Airways and charter flight operator M Jet, which also flies to the continent.'

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