The Thai Cabinet has approved a temporary measure to allow foreign pilots to operate domestic flights in Thailand. The decision was announced on December 3, 2024, by Karom Phonphonklang, Deputy Government Spokesperson, following a Cabinet meeting. The measure, proposed by the Ministry of Labor, addresses the surge in air travel demand driven by the government's tourism promotion policies.
Key Details:
- Rationale for Foreign Pilot Approval:
Thai airlines are facing a shortage of operational aircraft amidst rising passenger numbers. Airlines have resorted to "wet leasing," which involves renting aircraft with crew included, to meet temporary demand. However, existing labor regulations have prohibited foreign pilots from flying domestically since April 2020. The new decision permits foreign pilots accompanying leased aircraft to operate domestically for up to six months under strict aviation safety and background check protocols. - Criticism from the Thai Pilots Association:
Teerawat Angkasakulkiat, President of the Thai Pilots Association, raised concerns over this decision, presenting three key recommendations:- Support for dry leasing (leasing aircraft without crew) instead of wet leasing, as it aligns better with Thailand's aviation landscape.
- Easing regulations under Thailand Civil Aviation Regulation (TCAR) to enable retired pilots to train new pilots, focusing on simulated training rather than active flying.
- Addressing the “Pay to Fly” issue, which imposes prohibitive costs on aspiring pilots—up to THB 6 million for training and certification—creating barriers for qualified individuals.
- Local Pilot Supply and Demand:
Thailand currently has approximately 3,000 active pilots and over 2,000 unemployed pilots awaiting jobs. Additionally, the past decade has seen an oversupply of new pilot graduates exceeding market demand. The association argues that Thailand has sufficient local pilot capacity to support the aviation industry’s growth without requiring foreign hires.