Thailand: Airlines push Pita to help reduce expenses

Airlines are urging the new government to relieve the huge burden from exaggerated operational costs, which is 15-20% higher than in other countries, attributed largely to taxes on fuel, revenue and importing aircraft, saying this issue should be fixed within the first 100 days. The Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) yesterday asked Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party and first in line to attempt to garner the votes for prime minister, to take care of three issues: removing obstacles for aircraft imports and integrating cooperation between airlines and airports; setting an appropriate level of excise tax on jet fuel and enhancing airline competitiveness by increasing the rights to fly to target countries; and reducing visa fees for travellers. Pita said the party acknowledged industry concerns from the Tourism Council of Thailand earlier and would plan future discussions with AAT to formulate a plan to urgently fix these problems. He said Thailand lost opportunities because of its inability to become an aviation hub, attributed to regulatory issues or public administration. Singapore can draw many flights and has a tourism promotion apparatus in place to attract Mice (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) travellers, said Pita.<br/>