Bangkok--11 Feb--Thai Airways International
Crucial regulatory and competition issues facing a financially battered airline industry was the subject of a key International Air Transport Association (IATA) legal symposium taking place International is the Host carrier of this Symposium in Bangkok from 8 — 10 February, 2009.
The IATA legal symposium brought together legal experts, counsel and company representatives from around the world. IATA is the aviation industry’s representative body with 230 members, representing 94 percent of the world’s airlines.
Air Chief Marshal Narongsak Sangapong, THAI’s Acting President, told an audience of aviation legal professionals that the world economic situation means companies like THAI must change fast by adopting a more dynamic and proactive business model.
“This year 2009 will be one of the most difficult for our industry. Our future success will depend on following the right strategies. The situation may not be the same for every airline, as each must take into account its own situation and market, but a thorough understanding of the fundamental issues will be essential for success. In addition, it is the government’s intention to support liberalization of the Asian skies through the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and to closely monitor the European Commission’s move towards an aviation emission trading scheme”, said ACM Narongsak.
The Government places special emphasis on developing Thailand’s transport sector. Particular emphasis has been placed on improving services, security, safety and efficiency of services at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Moreover, emphasis was also stressed on the importance of aviation training, maintenance and air cargo, to improve the national fleet, and to ensure no further disruption to air transport through improved security, in addition to the need to work towards reducing landing and parking fees. Finalization of these measures are intended to be reached in year 2009.
The symposium covered issues such as competition in times of crisis, airline consolidation in Asia, airport issues, the EU emissions trading scheme and its effect on the airline industry, the use of collective bargaining power, threat of crime towards airline safety, privacy and intellectual property challenges, managing risks, dealing with insolvencies, and financing aircraft in times of crisis.
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