On 14 September 2026, Mr. Erik Langhofer, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Global Safety and Regulatory Affairs for the Asia-Pacific region, together with representatives from Boeing, met with Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), along with CAAT executives and representatives from relevant departments at CAAT headquarters. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in aviation safety, regulatory and standards development, as well as preparations for emerging aviation technologies and new forms of air mobility.
The meeting aimed to further strengthen cooperation between CAAT and Boeing in enhancing aviation safety standards and supporting the development of Thailand’s aviation industry. Boeing provided updates on developments in the aviation industry and exchanged views on potential support for aviation regulatory development, including possible cooperation related to the certification framework for aircraft and aeronautical product design under TCAR Part 21.
Both sides also exchanged information on the readiness of airports in Thailand to accommodate new-generation aircraft, particularly the Boeing 777X, as well as approaches to coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure that airport infrastructure and operations are appropriately prepared to support such aircraft safely and efficiently.
Boeing also provided an update on aviation personnel capacity-building activities conducted in cooperation with CAAT in 2026. These included training on Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) and Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA), as well as support for the ICAO Government Safety Inspector (GSI) training programme, conducted in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These initiatives are aimed at strengthening the knowledge and capabilities of personnel involved in aviation safety oversight.
Another key area of discussion was the development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and the application of automation, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and artificial intelligence in aviation. Boeing shared its perspectives and experience from working with aviation regulatory authorities in various countries, as well as its involvement in the development of guidance and standards related to AAM and remotely piloted aircraft systems under the ICAO framework.
On this occasion, Boeing confirmed its participation in the ICAO Second Advanced Air Mobility Symposium 2026 (AAM 2026), to be hosted by Thailand from 1–3 December 2026 in Bangkok. The event will provide an international platform for exchanging knowledge, experience, and perspectives on advancing AAM in a manner that is safe, efficient, and aligned with international standards.
CAAT and Boeing reaffirmed their commitment to continuing close cooperation in aviation personnel development, strengthening safety oversight capabilities, developing regulations and standards, and preparing for emerging aviation technologies. As Thailand’s civil aviation authority responsible for the regulation, oversight, promotion, and development of civil aviation, CAAT places importance on striking an appropriate balance between maintaining robust safety standards and enabling aviation technologies and innovations to be responsibly developed and implemented, supporting the long-term growth and competitiveness of Thailand’s aviation system.
