Airlines in Thailand Face Bans Over Safety Concerns

[Kee Hooi Yen 0]

 

BANGKOK — Thailand’s airlines are facing bans on new international flights and more inspections after the International Civil Aviation Organization flagged significant concerns about the country’s aviation safety, officials said on Friday.

 

The designation of Thailand as a “significant safety concern” has not been announced publicly by the aviation group, a United Nations agency, but governments were informed last week.

 

Japan has blocked new flights from Thailand since the decision, and South Korea is considering similar measures, officials said. Existing flights are not affected.

 

Thailand is one of the world’s top destinations, and its tourism industry is crucial to the economy, employing millions. The disruptions come ahead of Thailand’s new year holiday, known as Songkran, a heavy travel season when airlines typically add flights.

 

Among the airlines forced to cancel flights are the low-cost carriers Thai AirAsia X, NokScoot and Asia Atlantic Airline, Thailand’s Department of Civil Aviation said in a statement. The flagship carrier, Thai Airways, is also affected.

 

more at : The New York Times - Airlines in Thailand Face Bans Over Safety Concerns

 

And

Thailand’s Aviation Industry Is a ‘Significant Safety Concern

http://skift.com/2015/03/27/u-n-agency-says-thailands-aviation-industry-is-a-significant-safety-concern/

 

Japan, Korea clip Thai flyers' wings

http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/tourism/509715/japan-korea-clip-thai-flyers-wings

 

 

 

Seems like NokScoot and Thai Air Asia X's flights to Japan are affected.

Edited March 28, 2015 by Kee Hooi Yen

[Mulyadir Fitri 0]

Thai AirAsia X's Sapporo flight will be operated by D7 until 31st May (according to their booking engine) with the number D7620 as opposed to XJ620. 9M-XXM was used for yesterday's flight (18/5) and is currently en route. Is this in any way related to the safety issue?

Edited May 18, 2015 by Mulyadir Fitri

[flee 5]

Yes, this is related because XJ is not allowed to operate. And it is only temporary - flights will cease after the end of this month.

 

So far, only Japan and Korea have acted on the ICAO findings (but it only applied to new routes/frequencies) - however when they officially publish their report, more countries might ban Thai airlines.

[Mulyadir Fitri 0]

I honestly feel for the folks at AirAsia X. Their Malaysian ops is barely breathing and the start up of their Indonesian ops was filled with red tapes. And now this issue with their Thai unit.

[flee 5]

Second reprieve for Thai AirAsia X

Japan has granted a second one-month reprieve for Thai AirAsia X (TAAX) to operate scheduled flights to and from Sapporo as it waits to see how Thailand's controversial aviation safety issue unfolds.

The newly issued notification of renewal by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) means Thailand's first long-haul budget airline is allowed to continue with the daily service between Bangkok's Don Mueang airport and Sapporo's New Chitose airport for the whole of next month. This is an extension of the first one-month reprieve, which effectively enabled TAAX to launch its third Japanese route on May 1 and continue its flights until May 31.

Airline executives confirmed receiving the renewed permission from the JCAB last Friday, largely with similar conditions imposed.

This means TAAX must use its Malaysian parent AirAsia X's aeroplanes, pilots, crew and airline codes to operate the Bangkok-Sapporo service.

Using AirAsia X's resources, a move endorsed by Thailand's Civil Aviation Department, provides a technical way around the JCAB ban of new charter and scheduled flights by Thai-registered carriers.

Full report here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/tourism/565415/second-reprieve-for-thai-airasia-x