Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is hoping to stage a Thai edition of the International Airshow, in order to generate new business opportunities in the aviation sector.

TCEB recently commissioned UK-based international airshow consultants and organisers Farnborough International to conduct a feasibility study for staging the show at U-Tapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport.

“The study is now complete, covering the global overview, regional market potential, industry feedback, competitive landscape, Thailand’s EEC development and the government’s Thailand 4.0 initiative,” said Nichapa Yoswee, senior VP business at TCEB.

“It also offers recommendations for Thailand to stage the event and economic impacts.”

On a domestic front, TCEB held an industry hearing among stakeholders of the local aviation industry to identify Thailand’s potential and strengths in staging the air show and its economic impacts.

TCEB also visited Farnborough International Airshow in UK in 2018, Bahrain International Airshow and Paris Air Show in 2019 to get an first-hand overview of how to attract major airshow events to Thailand.

Yoswee said the show would also coincide with the Thai government’s plans to upgrade the airport to establish it as the third main international airport in Thailand.

“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,” she said.

The International Air Transport Association has listed Thailand among the top ten countries with the highest air traffic volume in the next 20 years.

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