CAAi Hosts Thai Aviation Delegation for Insights on UK Economic Regulation

This week, a delegation from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand visited the UK to explore the country’s approach to aviation economic regulation. Hosted by CAA International (CAAi), the visit featured a series of workshops designed to equip Thai regulators with essential knowledge for implementing effective economic regulations in Thailand.  

Over four days, 14 representatives from CAA Thailand engaged with UK regulatory experts to explore various aspects of economic regulation. The programme began with an introduction to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) and the context in which the Consumer and Markets Group operates. This was followed by an insightful discussion on airport charges regulation, competition policy and market power determinations. The delegation also had the opportunity to engage with UK regulators on critical topics such as the UK’s ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) scheme and crisis management strategies, air operations licenses, UK economic policy, and consumer protection measures. The mission also included a visit to Heathrow Airport, where delegates observed the airport’s facilities supporting travellers with additional needs and protocols for managing disruption. 

^{Image: Delegations from CAAi and CAA Thailand at CAA Aviation House}

Speaking after the visit, Luminita Herghiligiu, Senior Manager of International Operations at CAAi, commented: 

“We are delighted to extend our longstanding collaboration by welcoming CAA Thailand to the UK for a dynamic week of knowledge exchange focused on economic regulation. The UK has extensive experience in civil aviation economic oversight, and we hope the insights gained during this visit will aid CAA Thailand in establishing robust practices to enhance its own regulatory framework.”  

Since 1973, the UK CAA has overseen consumer protection within the country’s civil aviation sector. This includes the Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing (ATOL) scheme, which safeguards consumers with refunds or repatriation if a travel company fails. In 2019, the UK CAA coordinated the largest peacetime repatriation in UK history, successfully bringing over 150,000 stranded passengers back to the UK following the collapse of Thomas Cook. The CAA also plays an important role in enforcing passenger rights, and protects the rights of passengers with reduced mobility. Alongside this, the UK CAA also applies economic regulation to dominant UK airports and NATS, the en route air traffic service provider, securing safe and efficient operations, ensuring that charges are no higher than necessary, and promoting competition where appropriate. Additionally, the authority oversees the licensing of all UK-registered airlines and manages permits for third-country operators.

Mr. Anant Kanaviwatchai, Manager of the Economic Regulation Department at CAA Thailand, added:

“We would like to extend our appreciation for the warm welcome we received during our visit. The professionalism and dedication demonstrated by the entire CAAi team were truly commendable. This visit to CAAi and London Heathrow Airport provided our delegation with invaluable insights into economic regulations and best practices. Engaging with UK experts and witnessing the UK’s remarkable initiatives has broadened our understanding and inspired us to enhance our own practices.”

This visit builds on the longstanding relationship between CAAi and CAA Thailand. In 2016, CAAi assisted Thailand’s aviation regulatory body in bringing 20 Thai-registered airlines into compliance with ICAO international standards. Since then, both organisations have continued to work together on various initiatives, including providing technical assistance to implement new civil aviation regulations in Thailand and integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) regulations into the country’s aviation regulatory framework.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our colleagues at Heathrow Airport Limited for their warm hospitality and an insightful, informative tour.

^{Images: Delegations from CAAi and CAA Thailand at the London Westferry Office, Aviation House and London Heathrow Airport.}