Despite Thailand's recurring political unrest, Thai businessmen are still bullish about its aviation and tourism potential. Thai Air Holdings (TAH), which includes some directors of Orient Thai Airlines running budget carrier One-Two-Go, intends to launch a new home-grown airline, named Thai Air.
TAH has been issued an airline operating license by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA). This was confirmed recently by the DCA Director-General Wuthichai Singhamanee, who said the license was for domestic and regional routes.
He said the company had to begin operations within the time frame stipulated in the licence or it would be revoked. TAH has a year to launch the airline.
The company recently advertised for pilots able to handle Boing B737, single-aisle aircraft with a capacity of 130 passengers. This indicates that it will fly on routes with a maximum range of four hours, which means domestic and neighbouring foreign destinations.
Margie T Logarta
