‘Seaplane tourism’ set to take off by December
Deputy Minister of Transport Manaporn Charoensri was in Phuket last week to chair the opening of a three-day workshop aimed at launching the country’s first ‘seaplane tourism’ venture.
Ms Manaporn chaired the opening of the workshop, titled ‘First Seaplane Operations Toward Thailand’s Aviation Hub’, at the Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach resort on May 8.
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Settha Thavisin’s policies aimed at boosting the national economy, enhancing air transportation efficiency, promoting seaplane operations to boost tourism, generating income for the country, elevating aviation standards, and positioning Thailand as a regional aviation hub, Ms Manaporn said.
Moreover, seaplane operations can play a vital role in medical support, public health and disaster relief efforts, she added.
The aim is to accommodate the anticipated growth in passenger volume and flight frequency effectively, Ms Manaporn noted.
The Ministry of Transport is committed to implementing crucial policies to bolster the potential of the country’s airports and air transport, as outlined in Section 1 of its operating policy “Transport opens the door for trade and tourism: Creating a hub for connecting all dimensions of travel”, she explained.
“The policy involves promoting and supporting collaboration across all sectors to establish concrete seaplane operations in Thailand by 2024. The workshop serves as a starting point for agencies, both public and private, to collaborate, exchange ideas, provide feedback, and ensure that seaplane operations adhere to international standards, laws, and national regulations for safe operation,” she said.
Suttipong Kongpool, Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), highlighted the CAAT’s primary mission of regulating flight operation safety and airport standards.
“The CAAT is prepared to support projects related to sea airports and temporary landing areas for aircraft on water. This marks the inception of setting standards and regulations for sea airports and temporary landings to align with international aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization [ICAO],” Mr Suttipong said.
“The goal is to promote and develop seaplane operations in Thailand to meet international safety standards and issue licenses to support demonstration flights by December 2024, as per the Ministry of Transport’s objectives,” he added.
Nopasit Chakpitak, President and CEO of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co Ltd (Aerothai), said, “The workshop aims to foster understanding and cooperation among agencies regarding roles, duties, requirements, laws, regulations and coordination processes.
“This collaboration is crucial for advancing the aviation industry, boosting the economy, and positioning Thailand as the aviation hub of the region.”