BANGKOK, Dec 18 (TNA) — The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is taking a close watch on airlines, especially their safety aspects, as they are facing serious financial troubles this year.
CAAT director-general Chula Sukmanop said that next year his organization would seriously check the safety standards of airlines because airlines including low-cost ones faced financial problems and fierce competition this year.
“On routes to main cities like Chiang Mai and Phuket, many airlines are competing. Consequently the revenue of the operators is very low. Some airlines earn only 0.75 baht per kilometre. This is difficult to solve because it is business competition,” Mr Chula said.
Despite the negative operating results, airlines must not compromise their maintenance and safety standards to cut costs, he said.
“Many airlines show poor operating performances which jeopardize their services. CAAT has told them to review their financial plans… If the revised plans are unconvincing, CAAT will order them to reduce routes and flight frequencies to suit their aircraft possession and operating costs in order to protect passengers,” Mr Chula said. (TNA)
