Thailand hosts international air traffic conference

BANGKOK, June 11 (TNA) -- The Ministry of Transport and Communication along with the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand is jointly hosting an international air traffic conference to improve cross border cooperation. Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith presided over the opening ceremony of the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) Asia-Pacific Conference, CANSO Global ATM Summit, Annual General Meeting (AGM) that will be hosted here between June 7-14. After opening ceremomy, Mr Akhom told reporters that being selected to host the conference was great honour for Thailand and will allow the country to showcase its civil aviation potential to the world. In all, 150 member nations attended the conference which aims to improve joint cooperation between Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific nations with a final aim of achieving a comprehensive seamless air traffic management regime. Global commercial aviation continues to enjoy healthy growth and Thailand in particular has benefitted from sustained rapid expansions recording 1 million commercial flights in 2017. Statistically this represents a six per cent growth but more importantly within the next 10 years it is forecasted that this will reach two million flights annually. These significant growths especially within the Asia-Pacific region necessitates the development of a strategic air traffic management program with vital importance being placed on information sharing and data linking to improve air traffic management, overall safety and reduce costs. As the host, Thailand has been handed a golden opportunity to play a key role in determining the future of regional and indeed international air traffic to handle the challenges of rapid growths in international air travel. (TNA)