Pilots are receiving fewer allowances as airlines adopt cost-optimising measures during the Middle East conflict. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)
Pilots in Thailand have begun to feel the impact of reduced flights, as some low-cost carriers have announced a 20% cut in allowances and reduced productivity pay to cope with rising operational costs.Teerawat Angkasakulkiat, president of the Thai Pilots Association, said pilots working for Thai low-cost carriers have seen their flight hours reduced by 10% since last month, while Thai Airways cut flights on certain routes and dates, though this has yet to affect its pilots.
He said this month some low-cost carriers have begun cost-optimising measures, implementing a temporary reduction of certain allowances, including those related to duty travel requests, per diem allowance, instructor allowance, and follow flight allowance.
A low-cost carrier based at Don Mueang airport also reduced its productivity allowance by 30%, meaning pilots will earn less despite maintaining flight hours at certain levels, according to a source in the aviation industry.
Mr Teerawat said some airlines opted to split payroll payments into two instalments per month, as they remain highly cautious in managing operational costs during this difficult period.
