Seven Thai airlines have joined to offer passengers free check-in of up to 10 kilogrammes of fresh fruit on domestic flights in a bid to boost revenue for local farmers and tourism.
The campaign, initiated under collaboration between the ministries of Transport and Commerce, started on Tuesday and will run until Aug 31 of next year.
The move aims to help farmers to distribute their produce during peak fruit harvest times, while also promoting the consumption of Thai fruits and supporting domestic tourism, according to Banjongjitt Angsusingh, adviser to the minister of commerce.
The airlines joining the project are Thai Airways, AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai VietJet Air and Ezy Airlines.
Throughout the period, retail spaces will be designated for farmers to sell seasonal fruits at airports nationwide, with 10kg capacity boxes provided for passengers.
Each passenger is allowed to receive only one box, which may then be checked as aircraft cargo free of charge. Passengers must use the official fruit boxes provided at airports only.
The initial target for the project is 100,000 boxes, equivalent to approximately 1,000 tonnes of fruit, Ms Banjongjitt said.
To ensure smooth transport, only fresh fruit is eligible. Packed fruits must be free from moisture. The boxes must be securely sealed with adhesive tape or straps to prevent insects, contaminants, leakage and odours.
The project is being carried out at 20 regional airports to start: Nan, Lampang, Tak, Phitsanulok, Loei, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, Buri Ram, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Trang and Narathiwat.
Ms Banjongjitt added that the collaboration would serve as another important way to help farmers market their produce, expand distribution channels and strengthen consumer confidence in Thai fruits.
Passengers would be able to bring fruits from tourist destinations back to their hometowns without worrying about transport costs, she said, adding that this would also expand market opportunities for Thai fruit.