The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced that aircraft parking charges will be waived and a discount on landing and takeoff fees offered to all domestic and international airlines in the latest relief package approved for aviation operators.
Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob gave the package a green light at a Civil Aviation Committee (CAC) meeting on Tuesday 23rd June 2020.
The move improves on relief measures provided at the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic to help airlines save on expenses.
Parking fees are now free until the situation returns to normal, CAAT Director-General Chula Sukmanop said on Tuesday.
The CAC also agreed that the 50% takeoff and landing fee discount, previously extended to 11 countries in the region, will cover aircraft from all countries operating flights into and out of Thailand.
The Transport Minister said “The CAC meeting decided that the relief should be enjoyed equally by all airlines with flights into and out of Thailand”
Mr Sukmanop added the deadline for airlines to pay passenger handling fees to the CAAT, charged at 15 baht per passenger, will be extended from within 15 days to 90 days without a late payment surcharge.
The CAC meeting also approved a Department of Airport (DOA) request for financial aid following a loss of revenue brought on by the pandemic. The lockdown had forced the closure of airports and related aviation operations.
The DOA, which supervises 29 airports nationwide, was told to prepare an estimate of its loss so the government can work out proper compensation, Mr Sukmanop said.
Aeronautical Radio of Thailand has asked the Transport Ministry to guarantee a low-interest loan for the agency as it is suffering liquidity problems after airport closures due to the pandemic saw revenue from air traffic control fees plummet.
Meanwhile, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has published travel guidelines, known as “Take-off” for governments to follow in reconnecting people and economies.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), take-off outlines measures to mitigate the risk of COVID 19 transmission during air travel and the risk of importation of COVID 19 via air travel.
IATA also stated that COVID 19 testing should not be a necessary condition for re-opening borders or resuming travel.
