Trade group cools jets on aviation hub

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says Thailand may be constrained in its pursuit of becoming the region's leading aviation hub by 2030 because of global supply chain disruptions, adding that Thailand needs to remove unnecessary regulations and move towards digitalisation for aviation efficiency. "I think Thailand can achieve its ambition, but it will probably take longer than 2030," Willie Walsh, IATA director-general, told the Bangkok Post at the group's annual general meeting in Dubai. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pledged to make Thailand the region's leading aviation hub by 2030, as part of the "Ignite Thailand" vision. Walsh said this policy is ambitious and Thailand is acknowledged as a popular tourist destination. However, achieving this status by the proposed timeline would require many long-term investments that might exceed the 2030 milepost, he said. Walsh said one obstacle is new aircraft orders, particularly wide-body jets that are extremely difficult to acquire from both top manufacturers -- Airbus and Boeing. In the past, he said the lead time for orders for Boeing 787 and Airbus A380 jets was 4-5 years, citing his experience as CE of British Airways when the airline ordered both models in 2007 and obtained them in 2011 and 2012. "Back in 2007, we never had any concerns about getting in the queue. It was pretty clear we would get the aircraft we ordered," said Mr Walsh. "Today, you can try to order an aircraft, but you are going to wait for a long time." According to IATA, 1,583 aircraft will be delivered globally in 2024.<br/>