He was speaking at a seminar entitled "Asia Forum 2007: The Future of Aviation" hosted by the Asia News Network; the Star Alliance, which groups together 17 airlines; and Thai Airways International (THAI). The premier underlined Asia's dynamism in the global economy and aviation industry, noting that China and India were now the key drivers of growth along with Asean members and other Asian economies.

With average growth of 6.5 per cent in gross domestic product (GDP), Asian economies are now the fastest-growing market that will likely define the future of world aviation, he said. For instance, China is witnessing annual growth of 7.6 per cent in air traffic and will likely be the world's second-biggest aviation market after the US within the next two decades.

Surayud said India, from where he has just returned from an official visit, had double-digit growth in air traffic, while intra-Asian cargo traffic was projected to grow an average 8.4 per cent annually until 2021.

The premier said Asia had also benefited from the removal of restrictions on global aviation under the "open skies" policy adopted by several major markets. In addition, the advent of new technologies has resulted in more fuel-efficient aircraft, benefiting airline operators.

Surayud said THAI and several low-cost carriers were poised to drive Thailand's aviation growth in coming years, while its strategic location in Southeast Asia continued to offer significant advantages for the global aviation industry.

He said the "dual airport" policy of using both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports would benefit the country, since their combined capacity was 80 million passengers a year.

Nophakhun  Limsamarnphun

The Nation