THAI pilots to get higher allowances

Thai Airways International has increased pilot allowances in a bid to stop pilot poaching by competitors. THAI president Sumeth Damrongchaitham said the company's board on Wednesday approved the new rates for pilots. The rates are based on the block hour pay system, which will be applied from January 2019 onwards. The block hour pay system gives pilots fairer payment as it is calculated by flight distance. Over the past 10-15 years, THAI have lost pilots to other airlines due to the emergence of low cost airlines that offer better pay. Currently, THAI employs about 1,300 pilots across its domestic and international routes. According to Linkedin the median salary of Thai Airways pilots is $95,000, or just over 3 million baht. A THAI source said many premium and budget airlines have already applied the block hour pay system to prevent the poaching of pilots by other companies. Many THAI pilots have resigned to join other airlines after being offered better allowances and pay, the source noted.<br/>