Thailand: Association assents to hiring foreign pilots

The Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) says a request from Thai Vietjet to allow foreign pilots to fly domestic routes via a wet lease arrangement is acceptable because it is temporary, but an AirAsia executive is strongly opposed to it. "I see wet lease arrangements as a win-win situation, as airlines can temporarily increase flight capacity to meet passenger demand whenever they want," said AAT president Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth. Two months ago, Thai Vietjet held a discussion with the Employment Department, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the Thai Pilots Association, asking for permission for foreign pilots to fly domestic routes via wet lease arrangements for two aircraft. These contracts cover a combined package of pilots, crew, maintenance and insurance. As flying domestic routes is reserved for Thai pilots, according to labour laws, the arrangement requires government approval. Puttipong said the association is not opposed to the plan if the authority agrees to it, as each airline is allowed to manage its own business. However, the issue in the aviation sector now is an aircraft shortage, not a pilot shortage. He said dry leasing without a foreign pilot or crew requires airlines to operate with those aircraft for 5-6 years, unlike a wet lease that requires only 3-6 months, allowing more flexibility, and should not impact the pilot job market.<br/>