Foreign Pilot Approval Raises Concerns for Thai Aviation

[webfact]

File photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

A contentious decision by the Thai government to temporarily allow foreign pilots to fly domestic routes is sparking debate within the country's aviation sector.

 

This policy, based on wet lease contracts, has been introduced ostensibly to address a purported pilot shortage as Thailand eagerly anticipates a boom in tourism. However, the Thai Pilots Association argues that this measure might inadvertently undermine the local pilot community and related industries.

 

The cabinet's recent move grants foreign pilots the right to operate within Thailand for a six-month period. Teerawat Angkasakulkiat, president of the Thai Pilots Association, is challenging this decision, asserting that it contravenes existing laws.

 

"Pilot" is listed among occupations barred to foreigners, and Mr. Teerawat insists that there is, in fact, no shortage of local pilots to justify the measure.

 

Statistics from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand bolster his claim; as of 2023, the nation boasted 3,024 commercial pilots.

During the downturn caused by the pandemic, roughly 1,026 pilots faced layoffs, yet more than 1,200 freshly licensed commercial pilot school graduates are in queue for employment, awaiting opportunities within domestic airlines.

 

Mr. Teerawat warns that the influx of foreign pilots could discourage young Thais from pursuing careers in aviation, potentially leading them towards other occupations deemed more secure. This shift could weaken Thailand's standing and competitiveness in the global aviation marketplace.

 

A deep dive into the implications reveals further layers of concern. The Thai Pilot's Association contends that the decision deviates from the national labour strategy, particularly a segment focused on future industries.

 

Moreover, the association is apprehensive about possible ripple effects in related sectors, including agriculture, where foreign operation of drones may become feasible.

 

In response, Mr. Teerawat is urging the Transport Ministry to restrict Thai airlines from engaging in such wet lease contracts unless the governing regulations align with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

 

The current framework does not reflect ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program’s protocols, and with Thailand's scheduled ICAO audit slated for the third quarter next year, there is a real risk of receiving another red flag, echoing the country's 2015 experience.

 

The debate is a pivotal one, spotlighting the tensions between short-term economic strategy and long-term industry stability. It remains to be seen how the Thai government will balance these competing priorities in the face of mounting industry pressure and international scrutiny.

 

-- 2024-12-07

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

more than 1,200 freshly licensed commercial pilot school graduates are in queue for employment,

 

So let's put all of our trust with our lives and a multi million dollar piece of equipment in a newby.

What could possibly go wrong.

[Mr Meeseeks]

They are talking about Bangkok Airways.

 

They have wet-leased two Amelia Airways A320s which will be flown and crewed by some foreigners as they do not have enough planes to service all their routes.

 

Amelia will operate Bangkok Airways routes from 1st December to 29th March 2025.

[Mr Meeseeks]

12 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

So let's put all of our trust with our lives and a multi million dollar piece of equipment in a newby.

What could possibly go wrong.

 

More to the point, an independent airline (e.g. Amelia) that has its own qualified pilots is not going to allow inexperienced Thai pilots to fly their aircraft. 

 

As usual, the Thais have caused this problem themselves by not having enough aircraft available during peak season.

[Moonlover]

1 hour ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

So let's put all of our trust with our lives and a multi million dollar piece of equipment in a newby.

What could possibly go wrong.

A newly qualified pilot will typically spend 1 to 2 years a second officer before advancing to the left hand seat.

 

Your worries are unfounded, in fact I would call just yet another Thai bash.

[bdenner]

21 minutes ago, Moonlover said:

A newly qualified pilot will typically spend 1 to 2 years a second officer before advancing to the left hand seat.

 

Your worries are unfounded, in fact I would call just yet another Thai bash.

More like 10 years or more within major western airline (jet aircraft).

[Mr Meeseeks]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

"Pilot" is listed among occupations barred to foreigners

 

Loads of foreign helicopter pilots flying offshore oil and gas for Chevron and PTTEP. 

[Mr Meeseeks]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Mr. Teerawat is urging the Transport Ministry to restrict Thai airlines from engaging in such wet lease contracts unless the governing regulations align with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

 

Bizarre statement considering Amelia Airlines operate extensively in Europe. 🤡

 

Just typical frothing from a nationalist about a problem that is entirely of their own making. 

 

 

[Moonlover]

8 minutes ago, bdenner said:

More like 10 years or more within major western airline (jet aircraft).

I believe discussion is about domestic airline within Thailand. So what's 'major western airlines' got to do with it?

[daveAustin]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

"Pilot" is listed among occupations barred to foreigners, and Mr. Teerawat insists that there is, in fact, no shortage of local pilots to justify the measure.

 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

This shift could weaken Thailand's standing and competitiveness in the global aviation marketplace.

 

 

Alright for your Thai pilots to fly in foreign countries though, eh Mr Teerawat! If you want to truly be a part of the global marketplace, you gotta open up and MOVE FORWARD!

[ravip]

1 hour ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

So let's put all of our trust with our lives and a multi million dollar piece of equipment in a newby.

What could possibly go wrong.

Newbies too need to start somewhere, isn't it?

All airlines have a method of integrating newbies into the system.

 

What's dangerous is the genuineness of the Pilots licence.

Yes! Apparently there are some 'fake' pilots around!

[Mr Meeseeks]

13 minutes ago, Moonlover said:

I believe discussion is about domestic airline within Thailand. So what's 'major western airlines' got to do with it?

 

Bangkok Airlines have wet-leased Amelia Airlines planes to fly domestic and international routes.

 

Amelia Airlines is a 'Western airline'.

[Patong2021]

 

This is an insignificant issue that is being blown out of proportion. One would have to be clueless twit to not be aware of the worldwide backlog of aircraft deliveries. As of October 2024,  Airbus reported a backlog of 8,769 jets, of which 7,832, or 89 percent, were A220 and A320 family narrowbodies. Boeing’s backlog was 6,246 aircraft, of which 4,770, or 77 percent, were 737 family narrowbody jets.

Aircraft also have to be removed from service to allow for scheduled "deep"maintenance that includes extensive verification of engines and  air frame.  Almost all of the airlines now  rely on wet leases to fill surge capacity demands and to replace  aircraft that are temporarily out of service.  It makes no sense to hire pilots for the short periods that the capacity is required. 

 

A wet lease is a cost effective solution for a short time need. The lessee has access to an aircraft that can be treated as an expense, and does not have to assume the long term expenses and HR issues that attach to  hiring, training, and managing the crew. 

[jippytum]

Thais are paranoid about foreign workers. 

Most Thai aviators are trained abroad and the addition of  some foreign  pilots would raise the standard as there is a shortage of aviators. 

[watchcat]

2 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

in a newby.

What could possibly go wrong.

 It could mean a crash. Just because they have a DL, does not mean they have the experience. Just watch the traffic on the roads,

[newbee2022]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

This shift could weaken Thailand's standing and competitiveness in the global aviation marketplace.

I can't remember seen any Thai pilot in international aviation Business.

And that is why? Guess😂

[watchcat]

26 minutes ago, jippytum said:

Thais are paranoid about foreign workers.

 

About foreigners in general.... excptions  are the Chinese

[sqwakvfr]

Is the concern wet lease of protecting jobs for Thai pilots?  In many parts of Asia it is not uncommon for a foriegn pilot to be in the flight deck.  Next time anyone flies Cathay Pacific there is good chance the FO or Captaion is foreiign.  I believe even Korean Air has a small number of foreign pilots.  In due time Thailand based airlines will have 100% Thai aircrew.  

Until then it is not a big deal. 

 

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

A contentious decision by the Thai government to temporarily allow foreign pilots to fly domestic routes is sparking debate within the country's aviation sector

You need them or you don't, what's the issue?

[Tropicalevo]

1 hour ago, Moonlover said:

A newly qualified pilot will typically spend 1 to 2 years a second officer before advancing to the left hand seat.

 

Your worries are unfounded, in fact I would call just yet another Thai bash.

 

Assume makes and ASS out of U and ME.

Not a Thai bash - a concern over too many graduates getting into the system in a shortish time.

I would say the same about any country doing this.

Yes, I understand how newby's get experience, but there is still a risk if lots are in the spare seat at once.

Quoting 1,200 available graduates is a distraction to the fact that experienced pilots are needed now.

[portisaacozzy]

4 hours ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

 

Bizarre statement considering Amelia Airlines operate extensively in Europe. 🤡

 

Just typical frothing from a nationalist about a problem that is entirely of their own making. 

 

just check there flying record and then shut up !

[MadAtMatrix]

55 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

Is the concern wet lease of protecting jobs for Thai pilots?  In many parts of Asia it is not uncommon for a foriegn pilot to be in the flight deck.  Next time anyone flies Cathay Pacific there is good chance the FO or Captaion is foreiign.  I believe even Korean Air has a small number of foreign pilots.  In due time Thailand based airlines will have 100% Thai aircrew.  

Until then it is not a big deal. 

 

Foreign pilots are preferred in Asian countries as they practice Crew Resource Management where they treat their co pilot as an equal and want them to intervene if they are doing something unsafe. 
 

asian customs are “don’t question someone with more seniority than you” and keep your mouth shut all the way to the scene of the crash. 

[BarBoy]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

 However, the Thai Pilots Association argues that this measure might inadvertently undermine the local pilot community and related industries.

They just cannot handle ANY form of competition, can they?..

[PumpkinEater]

I would say (as a forced retired airline captain due to the age restriction), that there are many VERY EXPERIENCED pilots out here “sitting on our thumbs”… fully capable with a lifetime of experience that would love to get back into the cockpit.

Changing the pilot age rule to accommodate the possibility of pairing old experienced guys with a under 65 (for safety) could go a long ways to ease the pilot shortfall.

 

Sidelining a lifetime of experience due to age is a tragedy.

 

Pilot retirement should be predicated on mental capabilities and physical testing, not some arbitrary age…

 

Cheers

[HappyExpat57]

I have a friend who has worked in the airline industry as a flight attendant over 20 years. The entire industry is swirling down the toilet worldwide. It started with busting the unions so pay and benefits across the board have been cut drastically including pilots. Entry level pilots are getting less than half what they used to so folks aren't as interested in such a career any more, resulting in pilot shortages everywhere.

[sqwakvfr]

23 minutes ago, MadAtMatrix said:

Foreign pilots are preferred in Asian countries as they practice Crew Resource Management where they treat their co pilot as an equal and want them to intervene if they are doing something unsafe. 
 

asian customs are “don’t question someone with more seniority than you” and keep your mouth shut all the way to the scene of the crash. 

You are 100% right.  I saw a documentary about a Korean Air B747 crash in Guam many years ago.  The much younger FO stayed quiet whie the senior Captain was flying the insturment approach on a rainy night.  In the end the Captain screwed up and crashed attempting the approach. 

[Liverpool Lou]

4 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

So let's put all of our trust with our lives and a multi million dollar piece of equipment in a newby.

What could possibly go wrong.

Statistically, and empirically nothing, it happens worldwide, all the time.  "Newby" pilots, as you disparagingly refer to them, are not new pilots, they are fully qualified, trained pilots under the guidance of experienced Captains who all have a vested interest in getting home alive with an intact aircraft.

[Liverpool Lou]

4 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

So let's put all of our trust with our lives and a multi million dollar piece of equipment in a newby.

What could possibly go wrong.

Ridiculous viewpoint.

[Liverpool Lou]

3 hours ago, Moonlover said:

A newly qualified pilot will typically spend 1 to 2 years a second officer before advancing to the left hand seat.

 

Your worries are unfounded, in fact I would call just yet another Thai bash.

Well said.

[Liverpool Lou]

3 hours ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

5 hours ago, webfact said:

"Pilot" is listed among occupations barred to foreigners

 

Loads of foreign helicopter pilots flying offshore oil and gas for Chevron and PTTEP. 

That would be because there is no prohibition of that!   Hundreds of foreign plane pilots fly into Thailand all the time.