Thai Pilots Association Advocates for Local Jobs Amid Foreign Pilots’ Involvement in Domestic Flights
The Thai Pilots Association (TPA) has recently expressed concern regarding the temporary permission granted for foreign pilots to operate on domestic flights in Thailand, with a particular focus on the potential extension of this measure. The association is hopeful that the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) will honor its commitment to prioritize local pilots and prevent foreign pilots from being granted extended contracts. The issue has sparked heated discussions as it touches on the livelihood of over 1,700 unemployed Thai pilots and the future of aviation careers in Thailand.
The Challenge of Foreign Pilots on Domestic Routes: A Thai Pilots Association Concern
The temporary approval for foreign pilots to operate domestic flights was initially introduced through a loophole in a cabinet resolution. Under the current framework, airlines are allowed to enter into “wet lease” agreements with foreign pilots for a six-month period, with the option for one extension. However, the Thai Pilots Association (TPA), led by President Teerawat Angkasakulkiat, is concerned that airlines might exploit this flexibility, prolonging the presence of foreign pilots on domestic routes and thereby displacing local pilots, limiting their career advancement.
Teerawat pointed out that the resolution lacked a definitive deadline, which could result in continued proposals to extend the agreement further, preventing Thai Pilots Association members from securing long-term employment within their own country. He warned that this could have lasting consequences for the Thai aviation industry, ultimately reducing job opportunities for qualified Thai pilots.
Commitment from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)
Despite these concerns, Teerawat found some optimism in recent talks with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). He reported that CAAT had recognized the challenges faced by Thai pilots and expressed its commitment to not extend the wet lease agreements for foreign pilots. The Thai Pilots Association is hopeful that this commitment will be upheld, allowing local pilots to regain their positions on domestic flights.
Furthermore, CAAT has outlined plans to improve employment opportunities for Thai pilots, including facilitating jobs abroad. With Thailand’s aviation industry poised to regain Category 1 status following an assessment by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), local pilots are expected to benefit from increased opportunities as the industry grows.
The Need for Protection of Local Pilot Jobs
The Thai Pilots Association has long been advocating for stronger protections for local pilots against the growing influence of foreign pilots in the domestic market. In line with this, the association recently filed a lawsuit with the Administrative Court, seeking a temporary injunction that would prevent foreign pilots from operating domestic routes in Thailand. According to Teerawat, this legal action was taken to protect the interests of the 1,700 Thai pilots who are currently unemployed and seeking work in the domestic aviation market.
The association’s efforts are supported by the broader aviation community, with many pointing to the international precedent set by countries like Indonesia. During the pandemic, Indonesia sent all foreign pilots enrolled in its training programs back to their home countries as part of its measures to protect local jobs. The Foreigners’ Working Management Emergency Decree also reserves the operation of domestic flights solely for Thai citizens, further reinforcing the notion that the Thai aviation market should prioritize its own citizens before hiring foreign pilots.
While one Thai airline continues to use foreign pilots on wet lease jets for the Bangkok-Phuket route, the general sentiment remains that foreign pilots should not be used for domestic flights when there is a large pool of unemployed and capable Thai pilots available for the job. The association believes that ensuring Thai pilots occupy these positions is critical to the sustainable growth of the local aviation industry.
Collaborations and International Employment Opportunities for Thai Pilots Association Members
In a sign of cooperation between government agencies and the aviation industry, Thailand’s Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced that the ministry had already helped 26 Thai pilots secure jobs with Cathay Pacific. This is part of a larger initiative to support Thai pilots in finding employment abroad. With a goal to assist 100,000 Thai citizens in securing overseas jobs, the ministry is focusing on markets in Japan, Israel, Hong Kong, and Macau.
This partnership is particularly beneficial for Thai pilots, as Cathay Pacific set a quota for hiring over 1,000 Thai crew members, making it one of the largest international hiring programs for Thai aviation professionals. Phiphat’s efforts highlight the importance of supporting the Thai aviation workforce in both domestic and international markets. The collaboration between the Labour Ministry and international airlines is expected to provide valuable job opportunities and enhance the careers of Thai pilots abroad.
Local Aviation Industry’s Future and the Thai Pilots Association’s Role in Regaining FAA Category 1 Status
In addition to addressing the employment concerns of Thai pilots, the Thai aviation industry is also focused on regaining its FAA Category 1 status. This accreditation would allow Thai airlines to increase the number of international routes they operate, expanding the market for both local airlines and pilots. The category status is particularly important for Thai pilots, as it could mean more opportunities for international flights and greater recognition in the global aviation industry.
Once Thailand regains Category 1 status, the number of employment opportunities for local pilots is expected to rise significantly. As the aviation industry continues to recover from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thai Pilots Association is hopeful that more pilots will be hired for both domestic and international flights.
Balancing the Growth of Thailand’s Aviation Industry
The Thai Pilots Association’s advocacy for local pilots is part of a broader effort to balance the growth of the aviation industry while ensuring that Thai citizens benefit from job opportunities. The presence of foreign pilots on domestic flights may provide temporary solutions to labor shortages, but the long-term goal is to create a sustainable aviation industry that prioritizes local talent and expertise.
As the industry rebounds and more international opportunities arise, the focus will remain on ensuring that Thai pilots are not sidelined in favor of foreign workers. While foreign pilots can certainly contribute to the growth of Thailand’s aviation market, local pilots should be given priority to ensure that the country’s aviation industry remains self-sufficient and able to compete globally.
Conclusion
The Thai Pilots Association’s campaign to protect the rights of local pilots is an important step toward ensuring the long-term health of the aviation industry in Thailand. With the commitment from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand and the collaborative efforts of government ministries and international airlines, Thai pilots are poised to secure more opportunities both at home and abroad. The future of Thailand’s aviation industry hinges on a balance between growth and protecting local jobs, and the Thai Pilots Association will continue to advocate for the interests of its members as the industry evolves.
Through these efforts, the Thai aviation workforce will not only be able to reclaim domestic routes but will also have the chance to thrive on the international stage, contributing to the continued development and success of Thailand’s aviation sector.
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