Thailand: Foreign pilots allowed to fly domestic routes

The Labour Ministry plans to temporarily allow foreign pilots to fly domestic routes through wet lease arrangements for airlines, but future requests from other airlines will be considered on a case-by-case basis. "The ministry is still awaiting a final meeting with the airline to conclude the discussion," said Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Last month Thai Vietjet, the Department of Employment, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the Thai Pilots Association discussed this issue after Thai Vietjet urged former prime minister Srettha Thavisin to temporarily grant permission for foreign pilots to fly domestic routes via wet lease agreements. All stakeholders are supposed to arrange another meeting soon, after the new cabinet assumes their roles. Phiphat said Thai Vietjet plans to lease two aircraft from a foreign company for six months under a wet lease agreement, which means pilot, crew, maintenance and insurance are included in the same package. The airline hopes to operate these jets during the tourism high season. According to the ministry, flying domestic routes is typically reserved for Thai pilots, while flying international routes is allowed for foreign pilots. "In reality, Thailand doesn't have a shortage of pilots. This is the lessor's condition that leases should include their pilots," he said. "The ministry is preparing to allow permission on a temporary basis for this airline."<br/>