Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is looking to stage an International Airshow in the Kingdom, as it continues to create business opportunities in 12 key industries under Thailand 4.0 model to attract iconic global events to Thailand.
TCEB recently commissioned UK-based Farnborough International to conduct a Thailand International Airshow feasibility study for staging the show at U-Tapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport in the Thai government's Thailand 4.0 – EEC (Eastern Economic Corridor) initiative.
Mrs. Nichapa Yoswee, TCEB's Senior Vice-President – Business, said: “The study is now complete, covering the global overview, regional market potential, industry feedback, competitive landscape, Thailand's EEC development and the government’s Thailand 4.0 initiative. It also offers recommendations for Thailand to stage the event and economic impacts.”
On the domestic front, TCEB recently held an industry hearing among stakeholders of the local aviation industry to identify Thailand's potential for staging such an air show and its economic impacts.
TCEB had visited Farnborough International Airshow in UK in 2018, Bahrain International Airshow and Paris Air Show in 2019 to get an overview of how to attract major air show events to Thailand.
Mrs. Nichapa said the action plan to stage a Thailand International Airshow enhanced TCEB’s role as ‘co-creator’ under its Thailand Redefine Your Business Events branding.
“Aviation is one of the priority sectors behind the country's Aerotropolis initiative and MRO hub and it corresponds with the expansion of U-Tapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport in the EEC,” Mrs. Nichapa added.
In 2018, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports handled a total of 634,011 flights, up 5.79%, and handled a total of 103,378,371 passengers, up 7.39%, while the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has listed Thailand among the top ten countries with the highest air traffic volume in the next 20 years.
To keep up with demand, the Thai government plans to upgrade U-Tapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport to establish it as the third main international airport in Thailand. This will help to better facilitate the establishment of a Special Economic Zone in anticipation of EEC expansion. In addition, it will be served by high speed trains linking U-Tapao to Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi Airports and is expected to be completed by 2023, strengthening Thailand’s regional aviation hub status.
