Thai Airways International (THAI) and budget subsidiary Thai Smile Airways have welcomed the proposed use of Section 44 of the interim charter to address shortages of trained pilots and aviation personnel.
Deputy Prime Minister Prajin Juntong is considering asking Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, in his capacity as head of the National Council for Peace and Order, to invoke Section 44 to allow retired, qualified people to be rehired by government agencies and state enterprises involved with aviation for set periods.
According to ACM Prajin, this would address the problem of a lack of qualified airline captains and pilots, flight engineers, ground crew, pilots for specialised aircraft and pilot instructors. Another alternative would be for the cabinet to issue an executive decree for the same purpose.
- Earlier report: Airlines seek Section 44 help on pilots
Woranate Laprabang, acting CEO of Thai Smile Airways, said the proposal is the best news possible and a good start to solve the growing personnel shortage in the aviation industry.
He said the company has petitioned authorities concerned to extend the retirement age to 65 but to no avail. While Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand regulations stipulate the retirement age at 65, the compulsory retirement age for state enterprise staff is 60.
"The 60-year-old pilots are considered top-quality and highly experienced personnel. They are sought after by commercial airlines who don't have to train their own," he said.
Mr Woranate said the aviation industry has expanded rapidly and competition for highly experienced pilots is fierce.
THAI president Charamporn Jotikasthira said the proposed measure is hoped to solve the pilot shortage problem in the face of fierce competition in the aviation industry.
A source at THAI said the airline does not face this problem, but the measure should help with management of human resources. However, the measure may affect the career path of assistant pilots and it should be considered thoroughly, according to the source.
Chula Sukmanop, acting director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, said the measure will speed up a legal amendment process that may take months to complete. He said the proposed measure, set for 2016-2019, should ease difficulties as the training of pilots and staff will be completed to meet demand.