Drop In Air Travel Due To SARS Cited

If airlines that fly in heavily-populated Asia are to survive, they need help defraying the costs. Now, it looks like they'll get at least some of that help from various governmental agencies in the region.

In Thailand, one of the countries hardest-hit by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the government has agreed to consider a wide range of concessions aimed at keeping the airlines coming. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said the government would decide next week what sorts of concessions Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) could provide them. The AoT is reportedly thinking over a request for some sort of relief from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), pending further discussions with senior management next week and approval from the board.

The IATA this week asked airport authorities in Asia to support the aviation industry by reducing airport and traffic control fees.

Resistance?

Bancha Pattanaporn, acting managing director of AoT, however, said the landing fees in Thailand are already among the cheapest in Asia. "Even after the new reduced rate promised by Singapore (at Changi), the present fee charged in Thailand is not much higher."

Asian carriers have cut approximately 650 flights per week since the start of April. In Hong Kong, the number of flights has been reduced by 45%. Passenger numbers have fallen by 75% for Cathay Pacific and its affiliate, Dragonair.

FMI: www.iata.org