Unfair to penalise Thai airlines: IATA
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MADRID, Spain - It is unfair to penalise Thai airlines for the government's poor ''oversight'' in regulatory regime for aviation, said International Air Transport Association (IATA) director general and chief executive officer Tony Tyler.
Speaking at a press conference during the World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit, Tyler said the situation on the ban on new charter and routes imposed on Thai airlines was "confusing"as the airlines were not entirely at fault.
''It is important for governments to provide adequate, thorough regulatory regime to ensure aviation safety," said Tyler.
Thai Airways International is a member of IATA which met international safety standards. Yet, it is among Thai airlines which were affected by scrutiny by foreign regulators.
Japan, South Korea and China are the countries that ban charter flights from Thailand over safety concerns after Thai negotiators from the Civil Aviation Department failed to convince officials to ease restrictions.
Besides Thai Airways, other airlines affected by the ban include Asia Atlantic, NokScoot, Jet Asia, Asian Air and Thai AirAsia X.
Japan and South Korea later eased restrictions for the airlines; six Thai airlines were allowed to operate charter flights to Japan from April 11 to May 31 while Jet Asia received approval from South Korea to fly until mid-April.
On another matter, Tyler said the benefits achieved from lower fuel price has been offset by stronger US dollars.
"Stronger dollar affects operating cost as well. Spare parts are usually priced in US dollars, supply contracts of various are also priced in US dollars,'' he said.
