The government announced success in developing a direct flight route between Thailand and China, saving over 40 million baht in fuel and reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 2,561 tons annually, advancing sustainable growth in Thailand’s aviation sector.
On 4 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Ploytale Laksamee Sangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that the government is upgrading aviation infrastructure alongside applying digital technology to air traffic management. This aims to enhance safety, reduce flight delays, and support environmentally friendly aviation. The focus is on developing Thailand’s aviation system to be efficient, safe, and sustainably growing, emphasizing safety standards while caring for the environment and promoting sustainable growth in Thailand’s aviation sector.
Ms. Ploytale stated that Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, supports government policy by assigning the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd. (AEROTHAI) to implement the Direct Routing for Sustainable Aviation (DRSA) project. This aims to maximize efficiency and sustainability by optimizing airspace use, reducing flight distances and passenger travel times, as well as lowering fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Besides cutting costs and enhancing airline competitiveness, the project promotes regional economic connectivity and supports the Ministry of Transport’s goal to establish Thailand as a World-Class Aviation Hub, considering long-term benefits for the public, society, and environment.
Ms. Ploytale said that AEROTHAI applied its expertise in air traffic management to develop flight routes with tangible results in efficiency and environmental impact reduction. The DRSA project, a collaboration among Thailand, Laos, and China, developed a direct flight route L770 segment between NAN and SAGAG, which began operation on 3 Sep 2026. As of 23 Oct 2026, 530 flights used this route, reducing total flight distance by 18,525 nautical miles, saving 112,890 kilograms of fuel, and cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 357 tons.
Currently, 23 out of 26 airlines use this route. Additionally, AEROTHAI plans to develop three more direct flight routes connecting the west and east regions. It has also developed the DRSA Dashboard with its own staff to systematically analyze and monitor flight distances, fuel savings, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Forecasts indicate that the L770 NAN–SAGAG direct route will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 2,561 tons annually and save airlines more than 40.5 million baht per year in fuel costs. This demonstrates that developing direct flight routes not only improves aviation operational efficiency but also brings economic, social, and environmental benefits.