History and Background

As air transportation gradually expanded and global market competition intensified, it became necessary to form an organization to ensure sustainability in the air cargo industry. Around October 1985, Mr. Kawin Aswachatraroj, then Sales Manager of Thai Airways Public Company Limited, gathered several leading air freight forwarding companies to hold a meeting and discuss the importance of collaboration. The goal was to unite their efforts to enhance the efficiency of air transportation and to ensure that exports met the objectives set by government policies.

Following that initial meeting and several subsequent meetings, led by Thai Airways executives such as Mr. Kawin Aswachatraroj, Mr. Jetsada Jindanont, and Mr. Wicharn Poonsombat, and supported by the OAA airline group along with 21 other air freight forwarding companies, the negotiations successfully achieved their objectives. The Association was officially registered on May 8, 1986, under the name Thai Airfreight Forwarders Association (TAFA), with Mr. Kanit Smithiwat from Tour Royale Company serving as its first president.

Since the establishment of the Association, air freight forwarding companies and related organizations, such as the Airline Cargo Business Association (ACBA), the Customs Department, and airport authorities, have coordinated and held joint meetings to find solutions to various challenges successfully. This collaboration has led to the rapid growth of the air cargo industry and has supported Suvarnabhumi Airport in becoming a central air cargo hub in the Asia region, in line with the governments vision.

VISION

We are an organization that promotes and develops Thailands air freight forwarding industry to enhance competitiveness while being socially and environmentally responsible.

MISSION

1. To elevate the Association to be recognized by relevant government and private sector organizations.
2. To support the government in positioning Thailand as the air cargo hub of the Asia region.
3. To accelerate the development of members capabilities in line with the National Economic Development Plan.
4. To act as a mediator in setting and overseeing trade regulations and industry standards for Thailands air freight forwarding sector.
5. To develop personnel and generate academic knowledge to support Thailands air cargo industry.
6. To coordinate and collaborate with trade organizations, government and private agencies, as well as domestic and international airlines, for the utmost benefit of our members.