On 22 August 2026, Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), led a CAAT delegation on a technical visit to Autoflight in Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China. The visit focused on Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology and discussions on approaches to airworthiness certification with representatives of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
The visit aimed to facilitate the exchange of information and enhance CAAT’s understanding of eVTOL technology, airworthiness certification processes, as well as concepts and approaches for eVTOL testing and trials. The delegation also discussed potential approaches and initiatives planned for implementation in Thailand, which will support CAAT’s consideration of appropriate pathways for the adoption of eVTOL technology within the Thai context.
During the visit, the CAAT delegation was briefed on Autoflight’s airworthiness certification activities with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), including regulatory approaches and airworthiness certification standards applicable to eVTOL aircraft. The information obtained will serve as important input for CAAT in studying and developing appropriate approaches for the acceptance of relevant standards and certificates, taking into consideration Thailand’s regulatory context and international aviation standards.
The visit reflects CAAT’s commitment to monitoring and studying emerging aviation technologies under the concept of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), while preparing Thailand’s regulatory framework, standards, and oversight mechanisms to support the future introduction and operation of eVTOL aircraft in Thailand. This includes potential applications in transportation, services, and various sectors, contributing to the development of Thailand’s aviation ecosystem in line with evolving aviation technologies and international standards.
Furthermore, this initiative is aligned with the Prime Minister’s policy to promote economic development between Thailand and the People’s Republic of China, attract foreign investment, and advance cooperation in technology and innovation, particularly in emerging aviation technologies. Such cooperation will contribute to enhancing Thailand’s technological capabilities and potential while supporting sustainable economic growth.
CAAT places great importance on The Second Advanced Air Mobility Symposium (AAM 2026), which Thailand has been selected to host. The event, together with its various components and activities, will serve as an important platform for exchanging knowledge, experience, and best practices in Advanced Air Mobility with countries around the world. In particular, learning from and exchanging knowledge on China’s advanced aviation technologies is of significant importance. Strengthening cooperation with Chinese aviation authorities and industry stakeholders is therefore an important part of Thailand’s preparation and will create opportunities to further develop cooperation in technology, investment, and the Low Altitude Economy, with the aim of enhancing Thailand’s potential to become a regional aviation hub in the future.
CAAT remains committed to strengthening cooperation and knowledge exchange with aviation authorities, organizations, and aviation industry stakeholders both domestically and internationally. These efforts will help prepare Thailand for the transition towards the aviation system of the future, create new economic opportunities through the development of Advanced Air Mobility and the Low Altitude Economy, and further enhance Thailand’s position as a regional hub for aviation innovation and advanced aviation technologies.
