Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced on Sunday that Thailand and France are set to collaborate in enhancing Thailand’s aviation industry to meet future demands. This partnership stems from discussions held with Damien Caze, the head of France’s Directorate-General for Civil Aviation, during Minister Suriya’s recent official visit to France. The cooperation aligns with the longstanding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Technical Cooperation between the two countries.
The strategic alliance with France has facilitated ongoing joint efforts to advance various sectors within Thailand’s aviation industry. Minister Suriya highlighted the need to bolster the industry’s capacity, emphasizing the necessity to develop new aircraft models to meet future requirements effectively.
Specifically, the conversation focused on innovations such as Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) drones, aimed at enhancing small-scale transportation and logistics efficiency, as well as urban air mobility (UAM) vehicles for urban transportation of people and goods.
Cybersecurity was another key agenda item, with discussions delving into ways to reinforce defenses against cyber threats that could potentially impact the aviation industry both presently and in the future.
Future cooperative initiatives will also explore aviation ecology, highlighting the utilization of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to assist in reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.
Furthermore, Minister Suriya engaged with private entities during his visit, including companies like Satys, renowned for aircraft painting, sealing, and manufacturing aerospace and rail interiors. Another notable discussion took place with Volocopter, a Germany-based company specializing in eco-friendly electric multirotor helicopters suitable for personal air transportation or air taxi services.
Additionally, the minister discussed the ambitious one-trillion-baht southern Land Bridge megaproject with representatives from CMA CGM, a major international shipping firm, and Artelia, a prominent construction consulting group. The project aims to establish an extensive logistics network linking Ranong and Chumphon, featuring deep-water ports, a connecting motorway, and a railway system.
Both companies expressed interest in the megaproject, offering suggestions and seeking further project details for potential engagement. Contact information was exchanged for continued dialogue and exploration of collaborative opportunities.
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