Bangkok, 12 June 2017 – The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), led by Mr. Chula Sukmanop, Director General of CAAT, today held a ceremony to announce that NokScoot and Thai AirAsia X have been successfully recertified to the international safety standards of ICAO, and presented with re-certification of air operator’s certificates (AOC). Presided over by Mr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Thailand’s Minister of Transport, the event was participated by the executive management teams of both airlines, led by Mr. Piya Yodmani, Chief Executive Officer of NokScoot, and Mr. Nadda Buranasiri, Chief Executive Officer of Thai AirAsia X.
“NokScoot and Thai AirAsia X are the fourth and fifth carriers to be re-granted AOCs. This marks a special milestone as both airlines only operate flights to overseas destinations, differing from the previous three airlines recertified to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. NokScoot and Thai AirAsia X are representing Thailand’s aviation industry in the highly competitive global aviation arena in order to challenge other international carriers. Therefore, we hope the successful recertification will help boost the confidence of both Thai and foreign travellers,” said Mr. Chula Sukmanop, CAAT’s Director General.
Mr. Piya Yodmani, CEO of NokScoot said, “NokScoot’s utmost priority is always the safety of our passengers and employees. During the past months, we have fully collaborated with the CAAT in all audit procedures to obtain the recertification to ICAO international safety standards. Today’s success is a testament to our determination as Thailand’s premium low-cost airline to advance the commercial aviation standards, to allow the removal of a red flag against Thai aviation within the required timeframe. We also aim to deliver more value and outstanding service to our passengers, in a continued effort to elevate Thailand’s aviation industry on the world stage and strengthen the country’s positive image.”
Mr. Nadda Buranasiri, CEO of Thai AirAsia X said, “Thai AirAsia X has been fully committed to cooperation with the CAAT in the auditing processes and recertification of ICAO standards. The AOC we have obtained today reflects the international standard of our airline, particularly the importance of safety at the heart of our services. Our employees in every department have adhered to the highest standard of safety practices since the very start of commercial operations in 2014. As Thailand’s first long-haul, low-cost carrier, we are willing to provide full support to lift Thailand’s red flag status within the given timeframe and upgrade the country’s overall aviation standards.”
To date, the CAAT has awarded the air operator’s certificate (AOC) to a total of five Thai-registered airlines. This covers approximately 77 percent of the international routes that Thai-registered airlines operate in their services.
With regards to the solutions for the 33 findings of Significant Safety Concern (SSC), significant progress has been made, with more than 80 percent of the issues resolved. Within the end of June 2017, the CAAT plans to submit a request letter to ICAO to perform an ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM) to withdraw the country’s red flag.