Thailand: Airline layoffs ahead as travel stalls

More layoffs in Thailand's aviation industry will be seen this year as a result of no liquidity and a slow revival in international markets expected in the final quarter. Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) president Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth said all airlines are struggling with earnings as the domestic market has yet to regain positive momentum. Q4 of last year was the most prosperous period before the second outbreak ravaged the tourism industry from late December. The pandemic has seen all airlines to reduce their workforce by varying numbers, while one airline -- Nok Scoot -- had to permanently exit the market. The number of staff at seven airlines under AAT remain at just 16,000, a far cry from 25,000-30,000 prior to the outbreak. He said the smaller size was necessary for survival as they have to keep the operations costs in line with a more compact aircraft fleet. Puttipong, also a president at Bangkok Airways, said it slashed 20% of 3,000 employees over a year, flying only 30% of its 38 aircraft. He said aviation in Thailand might take four years to fully get back the 40m international arrivals seen in 2019. A cost-saving strategy will be the main target for airlines in terms of long-term plans.<br/>