Thai carriers face pilot shortage in 2-3 years

The Thai aviation sector is expected to have a pilot shortage in 2-3 years as airlines continue to expand their fleets, while more than half of Thai pilots remain unable to resume work due to licensing issues.

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG

Woranate Laprabang, chief executive of Vietjet Thailand, said that more than half of Thai pilots cannot return to work because they are unable to renew their licences.

Pilots are required to regularly operate flights to maintain their type rating and must undergo annual medical checkups.

As only 20-30% of pilots have been recalled by airlines, few are available to fly in the aviation sector at the moment, he said.

Vietjet Thailand operates 18 aircraft and employs around 180 pilots. Each narrow-body plane requires 10 pilots to operate.

The airline plans to retire four planes and receive nine new ones this year, requiring it to hire an additional 50 pilots, said Mr Woranate.