Thai Airlines Cleared for Direct US Flights After Nearly a Decade

BANGKOK, April 22 (TNA) - Thailand's aviation safety rating has been upgraded by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to Category 1, allowing Thai airlines to fly directly to the United States for the first time in nearly 10 years, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced on Tuesday.

The FAA officially updated Thailand's status on its website, elevating it from Category 2, a classification it had held since 2015. Category 1 signifies that the country meets international aviation safety standards, marking a significant boost for the Thai aviation sector.

Suriya stated that the return to Category 1 will greatly facilitate the expansion of Thai airlines, particularly enabling the launch or expansion of routes to the United States. He added that both new and existing Thai carriers can now explore new destinations or increase flight frequencies to countries that value the FAA's assessment, such as South Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong.

This development is expected to increase international travel options for Thai citizens, offering more choices in terms of routes, travel times, and competitive pricing, potentially leading to lower fares and more convenient travel. Furthermore, it is anticipated to create more employment opportunities in foreign airlines for Thai pilots who were previously restricted due to the FAA's Category 2 rating. This will allow Thai pilots to pursue higher-paying jobs and gain international experience, contributing to the long-term development of Thailand's aviation workforce. -819 (TNA)