Airlines Association of Thailand backs proposal for extra flights

The Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) has agreed to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrung­reangkit's suggestion to reopen unused flight slots to expand commercial air traffic at airports. The association also supports the government's push for an airport to be built in Phangnga, according to AAT president Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth. Puttipong, also president of Bangkok Airways, said AAT would ask to see Suriya to discuss a recovery plan for the tourism and airline industries. The association represents Thailand-based carriers -- Thai VietJet Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X, Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion Air, and Nok Air. The discussion will help set a direction for the recovery of the aviation industry and contribute to sustainable progress in the tourism sector, he said. Puttipong said the association backs Suriya's call on Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang to surrender unused flight slots held by the Royal Thai Air Force at airports under AoT management. The slots need to be freed up to increase the number of commercial flights served by the airports by 100-150 per day, he said.<br/>