Thai Pilots Urge Government Action Against ‘Pay-to-Fly’ Recruitment Practices
The Thai Pilots Association is calling on the new government to take decisive action against airlines that require pilots to pay substantial fees for employment or promotions, arguing that such practices lead to unfair recruitment and could jeopardize public safety.
“Being a pilot demands a high level of skill and responsibility, as it involves the safety of lives,” stated a representative from the association.
“The pay-to-fly model is inequitable for dedicated pilots who adhere to high standards but are unable to meet these financial demands. This trend may also create undue pressure on pilots,” the representative added.
In response to the pandemic’s impact, several airlines globally, including those in Thailand, have shifted towards the pay-to-fly employment model.
Under the pay-to-fly scheme, pilots cover their flying costs rather than receiving a salary, which can provide crucial flight hours for those looking to enhance their experience and qualifications.
In Thailand, pilots can face fees up to 6 million baht, which typically includes training for licenses and type-rating courses for specific aircraft.
The representative noted that many airlines are attempting to minimize operating costs in their efforts to restore flights and revenue to pre-pandemic levels.
While this pay-to-fly model is not illegal, its increasing prevalence poses risks to the industry’s integrity, according to the representative.
Previously, airlines would offer scholarships or partner with pilot schools to facilitate training at no extra cost.
“The attractiveness of being a pilot lies in the focus on safety, where mental well-being is vital. It is crucial for pilots to work without financial worries,” the representative highlighted.
“However, the expansion of pay-to-fly schemes threatens this essential principle.”
Reports indicate that some airlines now expect first officers with sufficient flight hours to pay at least 870,000 baht to secure captain promotions, with those unable to pay facing delays.
Many pilots are reluctantly accepting these conditions to gain experience before potentially moving to other airlines, the representative explained.
Regulatory Challenges Ahead
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand is aware of these issues but lacks the regulatory framework to prevent airlines from imposing fees on pilots. The representative argues that this practice contravenes the Skill Development Promotion Act, which prohibits training operators from charging fees related to labor training.
With approximately 3,000 active pilots in Thailand, the representative cautioned that this number may fall short in the next 4-5 years unless the government implements effective strategies to assist 1,736 unemployed pilots in finding work.
New civil aviation regulations in Thailand require additional processes for pilots seeking licenses, while there is currently a shortage of qualified instructor pilots in the nation.
Typically, pilots and instructors must hold a Class 1 medical certificate valid for one year to operate an aircraft. However, many retired captains with the requisite skills have not renewed their certificates.
Exempting this certification requirement for training purposes could significantly benefit the industry in the long run, according to the representative.
