TCEB takes concrete steps in creating a Thailand International Air Show as part of Thailand 4.0 - Eastern Economic Corridor initiative. Photo Credit: gettyimages/ipopba
In a feasibility study conducted by Farnborough International,
Thailand looks to assess its suitability and economic impact in hosting
an international air show at U-Tapao Rayong Pattaya International
Airport as part of the Thai government's Thailand 4.0 - EEC (Eastern
Economic Corridor) initiative.
The proposal for the airshow was the first of its kind initiated by
Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). According to reported
comments by Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President - Business of TCEB,
she said that aviation is one of the priority sectors behind the
country's Aerotropolis initiative and MRO hub and it corresponds with
the expansion of U-Tapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport in the
EEC.
To leverage MICE activity associated with the airshow, TCEB plans to
organise a series of activities from 2023 through 2027 under the “Road
to Air Show” project in the EEC zone. Trade exhibitions and large-scale
event festivals in related industries will be held as clustering events
to attract exhibitors and visitors. Thailand International Air Show will
make an official announcement in 2023, followed by a soft–launch
opening in 2025 and the full–scale event in 2027.
As
the national bidder and the industry’s co-creator, TCEB has conducted
feasibility studies and public hearings, provided consultations and set
up a cooperation framework with relevant agencies for organising
aviation trade shows in Thailand since 2018.
Thailand as an aviation hub gains momentum. In 2018, Suvarnabhumi and
Don Mueang International Airports handled a total of 634,011 flights,
up 5.79% and handled a total of 103,378,371 passengers, up 7.39%. The
International Air Transport Association has listed Thailand among the
top 10 countries with the highest air traffic volume in the next 20
years.
In anticipation of demand, the Thai government plans to upgrade
U-Tapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport to establish it as the
third main international airport in Thailand. This will facilitate the
establishment of a Special Economic Zone in alignment with EEC
expansion.
Additionally, it will be served by high-speed trains that link
U-Tapao to Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi Airports and is expected to be
completed by 2023.