Thai Airways is feeling the effects of recent events, including bankruptcy reconstruction filing and losing its status as a state-enterprise, after the Airports of Thailand (AoT) recalled more than half of the aircraft stands and check-in counters at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport.
The recall was announced by Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Wissanu Krea-ngam, who also heads a committee tasked with working towards a solution for the struggling airline.
Mr. Krea-ngam said that Thai Airways International Plc had requested assistance from authorities following the recall made by AoT with the issue that was raised at a committee meeting on Thursday.
However, AoT declared that it must take back counters and stands following a planned cutback from Thai Airways and a reduced flight schedule in and out of Suvarnabhumi airport when the airline resumes flying in August.
Besides, Thai Airways has outstanding debts of 244 billion baht and is in the process of bankruptcy reconstruction at the Central Bankruptcy Court. They have also filed petitions in several other countries to protect their assets during the bankruptcy process.
Despite this, Thai Airways informed the committee on Thursday that the recall may be excessive and request assistance to maintain a more significant percentage of their stands and counters in Thailand’s main airport.
Addressing the issue, Mr. Krea-ngam mentioned the Finance Ministry’s sale of part of its stake in Thai Airways, meaning the airline is no longer a state-run enterprise.
Since the Finance Ministry’s stake is now below 50 percent, Thai Airways no longer has privileges for using equipment at the airport and is treated as any other commercial airline explained the Deputy PM.
Thai Airways had occupied four rows of check-in counters at Suvarnabhumi airport. However, AoT is taking back half of the counters.
Spaces in the concourses and parking stand allocated to Thai Airways are also being reduced by 50 percent by AoT as they seek to reclaim spaces for use by other airlines.
Thai Airways plans to resume a significantly toned down flight schedule from August as the future of Thailand’s most famous airline remains in the balance.
Source: Bangkok Post
