Cabinet's approval sought for aviation improvement
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The Transport Ministry will today seek the Cabinet's approval for the restructuring of the aviation authorities, following the International Civil Aviation Organisation's warning on safety standards.
Thai AirAsia X yesterday announced that it would suspend the service to Sapporo from August 1 onwards and planned to resume the service as soon as the situation returns to normal. At present, it can operate daily flight to Sapporo on the temporary permission from the Japan Civil Aviation. Their services to Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul are spared from the mishap. Today, Tassapon Bijleveld, chief executive officer of Thai AirAsia, calls for a press conference, where he would discuss the impact on Thai tourism regarding to the safety issue and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
Transport Minister Prajin Juntong said yesterday that he would update the Cabinet on the progress in meeting the ICAO's recommendations. The restructuring of Department of Civil Aviation, to be discussed, woudl be one of the master action plans set to deal with aviation crisis.
He said that passengers would be in trouble if airlines stop operation (because of the mishap).
He said that other airlines had maintained their operation plans, as they had got approval for flight schedules ahead of the ICAO’s aviation safety issue.
The minister said he would report to the Cabinet today about the latest developments and the progress on solutions to the safety concern issue.
A Cabinet approval will also be sought for the restructuring of the Department of Civil Aviation as part of the master plan to tackle the issue.
Revision of aviation and related laws are under way and are expected to be complete in October this year to ensure that Thailand’s regulatory and operator roles in the aviation sector are separate and they meet international standards for various aviation services to passenger, freighters and others.
A Cabinet approval will also be sought for the restructuring of the Department of Civil Aviation as part of the master plan to tackle the issue.
Revision of aviation and related laws are under way and are expected to be complete in October this year to ensure that Thailand’s regulatory and operator roles in the aviation sector are separate and they meet international standards for various aviation services to passenger, freighters and others.
Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul yesterday said Thailand is relatively spared from both incidents as the majority of foreign tourists have maintained plans to visit Thailand.
"We haven't witnessed high cancellation regarding MERS and aviation safety issue," she added. The ministry is confident that the tourist arrival target of 28.8 million and targeted revenue of Bt2.2 trillion would be achieved.
