AOT rolls out new incentives to induce more flights to support tourism drive

Airports of Thailand PCL. (AOT) announced today a new set of incentives designed to stimulate international air traffic in support of the government's tourism promotion strategy. The Performance-Based Incentive Scheme, presented to the Airline Operators Committee (AOC) Thailand, aims to encourage airlines to increase international flight frequencies and passenger loads to Thailand.

These incentives are applicable to all international scheduled, 'extra,' non-scheduled, or chartered flights operating through AOT's managed airports. Mr. Sirote Duangratana, Senior Executive Vice President (Business Development and Marketing) of Airports of Thailand, outlined the following incentives:
- Discounts will be provided to airlines adding flights beyond those approved on September 8, 2023.
- Airlines are eligible for a discount on the aircraft landing service fee, set at 175 baht per additional passenger. The discount, however, cannot exceed 75% of the aircraft landing service fee for the additional flight.

- The incentive program runs from November 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, covering the winter flight program.
Chairman of AOC Thailand, Mr. Thera Buasri, expressed gratitude for the government and AOT's collaborative efforts in introducing incentives that bolster airline operations. He anticipates that these measures will contribute to a resurgence in international flights and passengers to and from Thailand, potentially surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels.
Mr. Duangratana highlighted AOT's preparedness to accommodate increased international tourism, having collaborated closely with relevant agencies to enhance personnel and facilities both landside and airside for the utmost convenience of international passengers.

The incentives, aligned with the government's tourism promotion policy, respond to the temporary visa waiver for citizens of China, Kazakhstan, India, and Taiwan from September 25, 2023, to February 29, 2024. They also address directives from Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Thailand's Minister of Transport, regarding the surge in flight frequencies and the management of airport space in line with the 'Free-Visa' policy.

AOT has actively positioned its six airports as preferred destinations for airlines, encouraging the introduction of new routes to expand the air network and accelerate the recovery of the aviation industry. Previous measures, such as discounts for airlines on new routes and requirements for flights commencing after the start of the 2023 Winter flight schedule, have been implemented to support this objective. These measures, effective from November 1, 2017, to October 31, 2019, and now extended to October 31, 2025, have collectively aimed to stimulate the aviation sector.

For further details on the Performance-Based Incentive Scheme, inquiries can be directed to AOT's Business Development and Marketing Department via email at aotincentive@airportthai.co.th or by calling 0-2535-6130 to - 6133.