One-stop solution eyed for aviation

Kasem

Bundit University aims to solve the aviation industry talent gap by launching a “one-stop total solution” course through its Aviation Personnel Development Institute (APDI).

There is a shortage of pilots and aircraft technicians, and the institute wants to become one of the top three aviation academies in the country, the university said.

“The aviation industry in Thailand is growing rapidly, driven by tourism promotion in various countries and by Thailand’s long-term national development policy,” said Senee Suwandee, vice-president for planning and development.

“But there are not enough skilled Thais to fill the aviation jobs the market demands.”

Thailand plays an important role in developing commercial aviation in Southeast Asia and beyond. Bangkok is considered one of the largest aviation hubs in the world, with more than 90 million travellers a year, and the competition between premium and low-cost airlines is increasing, Mr Senee said.

The Airports Department reported that the number of commercial flights in Thailand has risen sharply, from 40,000 in 2010 to 140,000 in 2017, meaning more commercial aircraft are needed.

Airbus predicts that over the next 20 years there will be demand for more than 40,000 additional aircraft, as well as 530,000 pilots and 550,000 aircraft maintenance technicians.

Boeing said that in the same period more than 40,000 aircraft, 617,000 pilots and 679,000 aircraft technicians will be required.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand forecasts that more than 40,000 additional aviation personnel, including air traffic controllers and aircraft mechanics, will be needed in Asia in the near future.

The government has pushed to expand the country’s airport system to accommodate up to 184 million passengers a year.

The expansion of Suvarnabhumi airport, second phase, is expected to be completed by 2021. This will increase annual passenger capacity at Suvarnabhumi airport from 45 million to 60 million.

After the approved expansion of U-tapao airport is completed, it will serve as the third main commercial international airport in Thailand and as a gateway to the Eastern Special Economic Zone and Eastern Economic Corridor. It will also allow passengers to transfer smoothly to Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports.

Expansion of the aviation industry should indirectly and directly provide jobs across industries for Thais,

Mr Senee said.