The government has instructed Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co (Aerothai) to extend its reduction in air navigation charges for an additional two months to help mitigate the impact of the energy crisis.
According to deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana, the ongoing unrest in the Middle East continues to affect energy costs and airline operations. In response, the Transport Ministry has directed Aerothai to extend its air navigation charge relief measures to ease airlines' operating cost burdens and improve their liquidity.
Ms Lalida said that at its meeting on June 24, Aerothai's board of directors approved a two-month extension of the assistance measures, covering July and August.
Under the extension, domestic flights will continue to receive a 30% discount on air navigation charges. In addition, airlines will be allowed to defer part of their payments by paying 50% of the service charges by the original due date, while the remaining balance can be paid 30 days later.
Ms Lalida said the measures are expected to help reduce cost pressures, particularly those arising from volatile jet fuel prices. At the same time, Aerothai will enhance the efficiency of air traffic management to reduce flight delays, enabling aircraft to operate more efficiently by reducing flight time and fuel consumption while maintaining the highest safety standards for all flights.
The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) had previously projected in April that the average price of Dubai crude oil would be US$91 per barrel for the year. However, as of June 30, the price of Dubai crude stood at $79.21 per barrel.
