Thailand is looking to bolster its fleet of rainmaking and small transport aircraft.
The ministry of agriculture requires at least one additional rainmaking aircraft and has told potential manufacturers a tender will be released this month.
Thailand already flies CASA C-212s, Cessna Caravans, Pilatus PC-6s and Raytheon Beech King Airs on agricultural operations, including 11 C-212s that are used to drop artificial rain. The last batch of rainmaking aircraft was acquired in 1996.
Thailand's police is looking for at least one VIP transport, but has not indicated when a tender will be released. The army may also acquire at least one additional transport aircraft this year.
EADS Casa, Ibis Aerospace and Pilatus sent representatives to Bangkok last month to discuss requirements.
Source: Flight International