-- Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited, as both an airline operator and the operator of Samui, Sukhothai and Trat airports, held a joint meeting with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) under the theme “Aligning Understanding Towards Unified Aviation Standards.” The meeting aimed to encourage the exchange of views and strengthen cooperation between the aviation regulator and industry operators on aviation regulations, requirements and standards, as well as their practical application in daily operations. The initiative seeks to improve operational efficiency, enhance aviation safety and support the continued development of Thailand’s aviation industry in line with international standards.
The meeting took place at the Sphinx Conference Room, BTS Visionary Park, with Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited, delivering the welcome remarks, while Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), delivered the opening address. Executives and representatives from both organizations attended the meeting to exchange views and share their experiences.
Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited, said, “The aviation industry plays a vital role in driving economic growth, supporting tourism and connecting Thailand with the rest of the world. Achieving stable and sustainable growth requires close cooperation among all stakeholders, particularly a shared understanding between regulators and industry operators. This is essential to ensure that standards and requirements for flight operations, aircraft maintenance, airport operations and safety management can be applied correctly and effectively in real-world operations. Such cooperation will help improve aviation safety and strengthen long-term confidence in Thailand’s aviation industry.”
Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), said, “Improving civil aviation safety standards requires close cooperation and a shared understanding between regulators and industry operators. CAAT is committed to ensuring that Thailand’s aviation regulations meet international standards, while also listening to feedback and recognizing the practical challenges faced by operators. This approach helps ensure that regulations are clear, practical and effectively implemented. Today's meeting provides an important opportunity to share knowledge, build a common understanding of regulatory requirements and jointly explore ways to improve operations, while keeping safety as our highest priority.”
The meeting focused on sharing knowledge, practical experiences, and views on aviation regulations and standards, including how requirements are interpreted and applied in daily operations. The discussions also explored ways to improve cooperation between the regulator and industry operators to ensure a consistent understanding and more efficient operations. Five key areas were discussed:
Flight Time Limitations (FTL) and Pilot Fatigue Management
Participants exchanged views on managing pilots' flight and duty hours and reducing fatigue-related risks. Discussions also covered plans to organize regular knowledge-sharing sessions, workshops, and annual meetings to review requirements, gather feedback, and share flight-operations experience. Particular attention was given to using actual operational data and scientific evidence to support decisions on fatigue management. The meeting also explored ways to systematically collect and analyze information on pilot fatigue, flight disruptions, and operational experiences from different airlines. These insights would help develop practical risk management approaches suited to Thailand’s aviation industry.
Pilot Training and Competency Development
The meeting addressed preparations for and compliance with pilot training requirements, particularly the Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (Advanced UPRT) program. Discussions included approaches to accommodating pilots trained under previous requirements, as well as opportunities to strengthen pilot competencies and improve access to training.
Participants also explored ways for Approved Training Organizations (ATOs) and airlines to recognize training completed through each other's programs. This could help avoid unnecessary duplication and improve training efficiency while maintaining compliance with relevant aviation regulations and safety standards.
Aircraft Maintenance Standards and Overseas Maintenance Facilities
Participants exchanged views on aircraft maintenance rules and requirements, particularly those related to the use of overseas Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities. The discussions covered compliance with CAAT regulations and relevant notifications, including the 2021 notification on the recognition of foreign airworthiness certificates as equivalent to Thai airworthiness certificates and its second amendment issued in 2025. The aim was to clarify the approval requirements and standards maintenance organizations must follow, ensuring aircraft maintenance is carried out correctly and in accordance with aviation safety standards and relevant regulations.
Airport Standards and Infrastructure Development
The meeting also addressed airport standards, focusing on physical limitations at airports and possible improvements to facilities and infrastructure to meet safety requirements. Discussions also covered environmental impact assessments related to airport operations and development projects. These efforts aim to ensure airport management and infrastructure development meet regulatory requirements while maintaining operational safety and accounting for environmental responsibilities.
Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Occurrence Reporting
Another key topic was the continued improvement of Safety Management Systems (SMS), including Mandatory Occurrence Reporting (MOR) and ways to improve reporting procedures and risk management. The discussions focused on improving the monitoring and prevention of safety risks, while also exploring ways to reduce unnecessary administrative work for both operators and the regulator. Participants also discussed the use of the Safety Management System Assessment Tool (SMAT) to support regular and consistent safety assessments and encourage continuous improvement in aviation safety standards.
The joint meeting reflects Bangkok Airways' and CAAT's shared commitment to strengthening cooperation and building a common understanding of aviation regulations and standards. By sharing knowledge and real-world operational experiences, both organizations aim to support the effective implementation of aviation requirements, improve safety standards, and strengthen confidence in Thailand’s aviation industry, contributing to its stable and sustainable growth.
Release ID: 89208199
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