Thai airlines face bans.

[drron]

This has been bubbling beneath the surface for some time as the Thai Civil Aviation authority has failed ICAO inspections.
Japan, Korea clip Thai flyers' wings | Bangkok Post: business

I certainly wont be booking awards with TG with this unresolved.Already a bit nervous as we book way ahead and TG's timetable changes have already caused problems.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Already a bit nervous as we book way ahead and TG's timetable changes have already caused problems.

RRPITA - I jumped on the USDM merry go round - booked 3 return flts - schedule changes saw 2 completely unusable - had to cancel and rebook SQ which did not change! Never again.

 

[Melburnian1]

TG has been losing a lot of money, though I haven't seen an update since the oil price dropped. Initially after such a price change, whether there is gain or little gain to the bottom line depends on individual airlines' fuel hedging policies.

 

[Alanslegal]

Very interesting scenario indeed if blanket bans are forced upon all Thai carriers, especially traffic to the EU.

Have a couple of TG flights that I am booked to fly (4/4 and 15/8) both BKK-SYD.

 

[drron]

Has just been racheted up a notch-

Prajin raises alarm as aviation watchdog rejects DCA remedy | Bangkok Post: news

 

[amaroo]

SMH version Thai flights banned in three countries as PM invokes powers to address safety record

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I think some of the reporting may be a little 'off'. As far as I'm aware, the 'ban' only applies to new services and charter flights, not existing ones. I believe the ban also prevents a change of aircraft on existing routes (ie to the extent it becomes a 'new' flight).

I think some India based airlines are also under similar restrictions.

I think... going out on a limb here... the 'ban' is possibly a good thing in terms of award redemption. I'm not sure if TG can substitute a 777 for example on an existing 747 to Japan.

 

[drron]

That's right with Japan services the authority is only for existing services including aircraft type.No substitutions unless Japanese authorities give permission.
Although only Japan and South Korea at present the Thai authorities have failed an ICAO inspection and have not come up with a satisfactory plan to rectify the faults.If a satisfactory plan is not in place by the ICAO date that is when bans to the EU etc might come into play.

 

[Himeno]

I think some of the reporting may be a little 'off'. As far as I'm aware, the 'ban' only applies to new services and charter flights, not existing ones. I believe the ban also prevents a change of aircraft on existing routes (ie to the extent it becomes a 'new' flight).

There are different levels of "ban" and different versions of such by different regulatory bodies.
For instance, the EU has an "Annex A" list which bans airlines from operating in EU airspace and "Annex B" which allows the airline with restrictions. This can apply to specified airlines or every airline from a specified country. The current Annex A list bans all airlines with an AOC issued by the Philippines, except Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air.
Most Annex B entries say no flights except by specify aircraft.

The FAA has the IASA and Categories 1 and 2.
Carriers from Category 1 countries are permitted to operate into the U.S. and/or codeshare with U.S. air carriers in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOT) authorizations.
Carriers from Category 2 countries that operate into the U.S. and/or codeshare with U.S. air carriers have such services limited to levels that existed at the time of the assessment.
Carriers from Category 2 countries that seek to initiate commercial service into the U.S. and/or seek to codeshare with any U.S. air carrier are prohibited from initiating such services.

 

[bcworld]

Re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

Not sure if everyone's aware of Thailand's recent very poor performance in its ICAO safety audit but this would seem to be a fairly dramatic escalation if true (not seeing any evidence of it so far).

According to the Bangkok Post, Thai airlines have been ordered not sell any more seats to Japan for travel after 31 May.

Six airlines hold off on Japan tickets | Bangkok Post: news

 

[VAG newbie]

I think some of the reporting may be a little 'off'. As far as I'm aware, the 'ban' only applies to new services and charter flights, not existing ones. I believe the ban also prevents a change of aircraft on existing routes (ie to the extent it becomes a 'new' flight).

I think some India based airlines are also under similar restrictions.

I think... going out on a limb here... the 'ban' is possibly a good thing in terms of award redemption. I'm not sure if TG can substitute a 777 for example on an existing 747 to Japan.

Let's hope you are right. Keep the 747 and bring back my first class seat!

 

[dajop]

Noticed that NokScoot planned new services are subject to the restrictions and have not yet got approval for scheduled services to Japan. However also noticed Scoot (SG based) is planning a SIN-CTS service via Bangkok (DMK airport).

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Let's hope you are right. Keep the 747 and bring back my first class seat!

I don't believe that's how it works. Thai already flies 777/747/787/A380/A330 on Japan routes and they can use those as they see fit, the ban would only affect a completely new type such as an A350 being INTRODUCED to Japan flying.

 

[drron]

The Thais are running out of time and are pleading for more-
Arkhom seeks aviation safety extension | Bangkok Post: news

Plus talking about stopping their open skies policy and restricting flights to Thailand-
Open-sky policy must continue, say airlines - The Nation

 

[RooFlyer]

Thanks drron for bringing this up! Coupled with my recent notes on the airport experience itself, I'm more-or-less happy to add TG to TK as members of my do-not-fly list.

Slimmer *A pickings through Asia, but I don't mind being 'forced' onto SQ!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Plus talking about stopping their open skies policy and restricting flights to Thailand-
Open-sky policy must continue, say airlines - The Nation

According to the article:

AIRLINES ARE alarmed by the Transport Ministry's move to consider limiting incoming flights by ending the country's long-standing "open sky" policy, warning the move could badly damage Thailand's image.

'Badly damage Thailand's image' with whom??? Certainly not passengers.

 

[Alanslegal]

And the news is not positive for Thailand aviation;

Thai Airways addresses Thailand’s aviation safety shortfall

 

[bcworld]

And the news is not positive for Thailand aviation;

Thai Airways addresses Thailand’s aviation safety shortfall

Yup, that red flag certainly puts Thailand in the same bucket as some pretty dubious looking company!

 

[drron]

Even Indonesia is going to deny Thai airlines to add any new flights or destinations-
Jakarta hits airlines with restrictions | Bangkok Post: news

 

[dajop]

Not sure if it is related, or whether like MH, TG have realised that US services are just too difficult from SE Asia, but TG are ceasing LAX services (their only US services) on 25 OCT.