The International Air Transport Association (IATA) cautions that Thailand’s goal of becoming the leading aviation hub in the region by 2030 may face challenges due to global supply chain disruptions. To achieve this ambition, Thailand needs to streamline regulations and embrace digitalization for enhanced aviation efficiency.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s director-general, expressed optimism about Thailand’s potential but suggested that reaching this milestone by 2030 might be overly optimistic. He emphasized the necessity of substantial long-term investments, especially in new aircraft orders such as wide-body jets, which are currently scarce from major manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing.
Obtaining these aircraft has become increasingly challenging due to extended lead times. The aviation industry has experienced delays across the supply chain, impacting aircraft, engines, and components. These delays could affect Thailand’s timeline for establishing itself as a regional aviation hub.
Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s senior vice president of sustainability and chief economist, highlighted the reduction in jet deliveries for 2024 and the potential challenges in catching up with demand.
Xie Xingquan, IATA’s regional vice president for North Asia and acting for Asia-Pacific, mentioned regulatory risks in Thailand, particularly concerning the draft consumer protection law. He emphasized the importance of aligning government policies with airlines’ perspectives to ensure mutual accountability.
While Thailand aims to enhance its attractiveness as a tourism and aviation hub, challenges persist, including regulatory complexities and the need to improve airport services and infrastructure. Efforts such as visa-free schemes and digitalization initiatives are steps toward achieving this goal, but further incentives and efficiency improvements are essential.
IATA also underscored the significance of safety measures, particularly in turbulence mitigation, during its annual summit. Initiatives such as the Turbulence Aware platform aim to collect real-time data to enhance flight safety and awareness among airlines.
