Beyond Recovery: Reflections from the CAAT Executive Policy Dialogue on the Future of Thai Aviation

Written by Narawut "Yo" Ngamdee (Head of Flight Operations of Siam Seaplane)

Last month, I had the privilege of representing Siam Seaplane at the CAAT Executive Policy Dialogue: Navigating the Future of Thai Aviation, hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.

The session brought together aviation executives, regulators, and policymakers to discuss the future of Thailand's aviation industry. While much of the industry's focus in recent years has been on post-pandemic recovery, this dialogue made one thing clear: recovery is no longer the main conversation. The future of aviation will be shaped by how effectively we manage costs, modernise infrastructure, embrace sustainability, and prepare for the next generation of air mobility.

As Head of Flight Operations, I found the discussions both insightful and highly relevant to our day-to-day operations at Siam Seaplane.

Recovery Is Only the Starting Point

Thailand's passenger numbers have largely returned to pre-pandemic levels. According to CAAT, passenger traffic rebounded to 145.1 million, approaching the pre-pandemic peak of 161.8 million. However, strong passenger demand alone does not guarantee a healthy aviation industry.

One of the strongest messages from the dialogue was the growing impact of fuel costs. Energy costs, which traditionally accounted for around 30% of airline operating expenses, have now risen to 40 to 50%. To help keep air travel affordable, airports and airlines have worked together to introduce additional flights during peak seasons. By extending airport operating hours and improving slot allocation, airlines are able to offer greater scheduling flexibility and a wider range of ticket prices. Now in its third or fourth year, the initiative has received positive feedback and continues to evolve.

This reinforces our core philosophy at Siam Seaplane. Operational excellence is not only about flying safely; it is about continuously improving efficiency. The unique flexibility of our amphibious fleet allows us to optimize routes dynamically and manage fuel consumption effectively. By planning intelligently and working closely with industry partners, we can navigate the challenges of rising energy costs while consistently delivering a premium and reliable service.

Infrastructure Shapes Opportunity

Another major topic was Thailand's continued investment in aviation infrastructure.

From expanding airport capacity to strengthening regional airports, these developments go far beyond accommodating more flights. They create new opportunities for regional connectivity, tourism, and economic growth.

Coincidentally, this has always been one of Siam Seaplane's core strengths. With our Cessna Grand Caravan fleet, we are able to operate efficiently from smaller regional airports such as Chumphon and Hua Hin, providing convenient access that has been well received by our guests. Beyond traditional regional airports, we see tremendous potential in the development of water landing and take-off sites and water aerodromes. The ability to land directly on water allows us to offer true point-to-point connectivity, transporting guests from major hubs straight to pristine island resorts and coastal destinations. This seamless integration of amphibious infrastructure not only unlocks new tourism opportunities but also redefines the premium travel experience in Thailand.

Sustainability in Action

Sustainability was another key theme throughout the dialogue. Discussions focused on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), carbon credits, CORSIA, and the increasing regulatory pressure from international markets.

Effective 1 January 2026, Thailand's Department of Energy Business has mandated an initial 1% SAF blend for all Jet A-1 fuel distributed at major aviation hubs. This aligns with broader international developments, including the European Union's requirement for a 2% SAF blend at European airports, with targets increasing up to 70% by 2050. At the same time, participants discussed how the current CORSIA pilot programmes indicate that available carbon credits may be insufficient once the full regulations take effect.

The discussion extended beyond reducing emissions at airports and highlighted the importance of considering the entire aviation ecosystem. A two to three year sustainability roadmap is currently being developed in collaboration with the Department of Energy Business and the Department of Climate Change and Environment. It was a valuable reminder that sustainability should never be viewed as a standalone initiative. Every operational decision, from logistics to infrastructure planning, contributes to the industry's long-term environmental impact.

For Siam Seaplane, this conversation hits particularly close to home. Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond airborne emissions; it extends directly to the waters we operate on. Safeguarding marine and coastal ecosystems is a critical aspect of our daily operations. Every operational decision we make is designed to ensure that our amphibious footprint remains minimal, aligning our growth with the preservation of Thailand's natural beauty.

Regulations That Enable Innovation

The dialogue also covered the ongoing modernisation of Thailand's aviation regulations. The Air Navigation Act, last significantly updated in 2019, is being revised to better align with international standards and support future technologies such as advanced air mobility and remotely piloted aircraft. Furthermore, the ongoing transition towards updated frameworks like the Thailand Civil Aviation Regulations (TCAR) is a crucial step forward. Clear and modernized regulations provide a robust foundation for specialized operations like ours. It ensures that as we navigate our Air Operator Certificate (AOC) requirements, we can maintain the absolute highest standards of aviation safety, security, and quality, which remain at the core of everything we do. At the same time, clearer regulations are being introduced for aviation service fees to ensure pricing reflects the true value of services while preventing monopolistic practices.

Why These Conversations Matter

One of the greatest strengths of the CAAT Executive Policy Dialogue is its emphasis on collaboration. Aviation is an industry that succeeds only when the entire ecosystem works together. The event brought together regulators, airport operators, airlines, and aviation businesses, all facing different challenges but working towards the same goal of building a safer, stronger, and more competitive aviation industry for Thailand.

With ongoing regulatory modernisation and continued investment in infrastructure, these efforts position Thailand to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic global aviation landscape. The key takeaway was clear: the future success of Thailand's aviation industry will depend not only on passenger growth, but also on cost efficiency, modern infrastructure, sustainable operations, regulatory readiness, and continued collaboration across the industry.