Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) Plc, the national carrier, on Friday announced the launch of special discounted flights to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, on July 29, two months before the airport's tentative opening.
THAI chairman Wanchai Sarathulthat said the test flights are intended to ensure that Suvarnabhumi Airport will be ready for the officialopening on September 28th, 2006 and to give passengers the opportunity to experience THAI's products and services at Suvarnabhumi.
THAI plans to operate four domestic flights to the new airport on July 29th, 2006, including two flights from Chiang Mai and two from Phuket.
The flights, using Boeing 747-400 and Airbus 300-600 aircraft, are being offered at discounted prices of Baht 1,999 for economy class and Baht 2,999 for 1-way business class seat.
The Transport Ministry has set September 28 as its new deadline for opening Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi Airport for commercial purposes.
SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT
Thai to launch commercial flights to Suvarnabhumi Airport -
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
Deadline confirmed for new airport's full operation
All systems at Suvarnabhumi airport will be ready for the opening of its full-scale commercial service at 3am on Sept 28 when Don Muang airport will be closed to scheduled flights, caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said.
Mr Thaksin was speaking after chairing a meeting of the government's committee supervising the airport's construction earlier today.
Airlines will bring their aircraft for departure at the new airport from that time.``Empty planes will wait for take-off at Suvarnabhumi that morning and that will start the full-scale commercial service,'' he said.
Mr Thaksin was speaking after chairing a meeting of the government's committee supervising the airport's construction earlier today.
Airlines will bring their aircraft for departure at the new airport from that time.``Empty planes will wait for take-off at Suvarnabhumi that morning and that will start the full-scale commercial service,'' he said.
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
Corruption and bad construction'stand in way of September opening'
The Democrat Party will launch an investigation into the readiness of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport for full commercial operation in September.
Kiati Sithiamorn, a party executive who has been monitoring Suvarnabhumi for some time, said unresolved issues about corruption scandals, questionable construction quality and unfinished transport links begged questions about the airport's real state of readiness.
Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra insists Suvarnabhumi will be opened on September 28 - and that will be the last day of Don Muang as Bangkok's main international airport.
But Kiati disagrees.
"Airports are not supposed to open just because politicians want to see them open. They should be opened only after the infrastructure and all the systems are thoroughly tested to make sure everything runs correctly. That's when an airport is ready," he said.
Kiati said a press conference would be scheduled for early this week to outline the major issues the party will investigate.
"One big concern is the transparency surrounding the airport certification process. I talked to international airlines and they seem to accept that the new airport will not get certified by the ICAO [International Civil Aviation Organisation]. But it's our job to make sure the local agency that issues certification does so with transparency and is prepared to regularly conduct quality checks," he said.
Kiati was referring to the Civil Aviation Department, which announced it would issue an interim Aerodrome Certification for Suvarnabhumi Airport last week, but failed to do so. It now has only six days left before the start of commercial test flights with paying passengers next Saturday.
Kiati's view is that a whole range of issues needs to be examined, from the structure of the canvas roof to the aeronautical safety systems and the emergency response procedures.
"We've requested information from the responsible agencies many times, but so far there has been little response," he said. "What is there to hide?"
Another issue he will examine is public transport links between the airport and downtown areas.
"Mass transport systems such as the Airport Rail Link will not finish anytime soon. Remaining options are taxis and buses. But it is still unclear to us if these are properly managed and ready for opening time," Kiati said.
The Democrats are also concerned about the new airport's business competitiveness. The party has received complaints over the exclusive concession granted to King Power Duty Free inside the passenger terminal.
"The airport has allowed King Power a monopoly over some 20,000 square metres of commercial area. The deal seems to reduce the opportunity to maximise revenues," Kiati said.
Nantiya Tangwisutijit
The Nation 2006-07-23
The Democrat Party will launch an investigation into the readiness of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport for full commercial operation in September.
Kiati Sithiamorn, a party executive who has been monitoring Suvarnabhumi for some time, said unresolved issues about corruption scandals, questionable construction quality and unfinished transport links begged questions about the airport's real state of readiness.
Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra insists Suvarnabhumi will be opened on September 28 - and that will be the last day of Don Muang as Bangkok's main international airport.
But Kiati disagrees.
"Airports are not supposed to open just because politicians want to see them open. They should be opened only after the infrastructure and all the systems are thoroughly tested to make sure everything runs correctly. That's when an airport is ready," he said.
Kiati said a press conference would be scheduled for early this week to outline the major issues the party will investigate.
"One big concern is the transparency surrounding the airport certification process. I talked to international airlines and they seem to accept that the new airport will not get certified by the ICAO [International Civil Aviation Organisation]. But it's our job to make sure the local agency that issues certification does so with transparency and is prepared to regularly conduct quality checks," he said.
Kiati was referring to the Civil Aviation Department, which announced it would issue an interim Aerodrome Certification for Suvarnabhumi Airport last week, but failed to do so. It now has only six days left before the start of commercial test flights with paying passengers next Saturday.
Kiati's view is that a whole range of issues needs to be examined, from the structure of the canvas roof to the aeronautical safety systems and the emergency response procedures.
"We've requested information from the responsible agencies many times, but so far there has been little response," he said. "What is there to hide?"
Another issue he will examine is public transport links between the airport and downtown areas.
"Mass transport systems such as the Airport Rail Link will not finish anytime soon. Remaining options are taxis and buses. But it is still unclear to us if these are properly managed and ready for opening time," Kiati said.
The Democrats are also concerned about the new airport's business competitiveness. The party has received complaints over the exclusive concession granted to King Power Duty Free inside the passenger terminal.
"The airport has allowed King Power a monopoly over some 20,000 square metres of commercial area. The deal seems to reduce the opportunity to maximise revenues," Kiati said.
Nantiya Tangwisutijit
The Nation 2006-07-23
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
Thanks for the update.
But, IMO, the whole political debate is farsical.
One side saying this, another that and neither getting any further forward.
End of Lomu's political debate tonight. I'm tired.
They're all politicians that definitely do not have the best interests of the country to heart.
Then what politician does etc etc.
"I woke up in the morning".
"No, you didn't".
"Yes I did"
"Prove it".
I've had enough of these lemmings.
But, IMO, the whole political debate is farsical.
One side saying this, another that and neither getting any further forward.
End of Lomu's political debate tonight. I'm tired.
They're all politicians that definitely do not have the best interests of the country to heart.
Then what politician does etc etc.
"I woke up in the morning".
"No, you didn't".
"Yes I did"
"Prove it".
I've had enough of these lemmings.
First test flight lands successfully at Suvarnabhmi Airport
BANGKOK: -- The first commercial test flight from Don Muang Airport to Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi Airport of Thai Airways International (THAI), the national flag carrier, landed successfully at the new airport Saturday morning as scheduled.
The THAI Boeing 747-400 aircraft, flight TG181, carrying Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, other cabinet members, senior government officials and some other 400 passengers, landed to make a place in history at 08:09 a.m. at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
THAI offered a special airfare of Bt999 for the inaugural commercial flight from Don Muang Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Prime Minister Thaksin told journalists before boarding the flight that he was excited and delighted that finally the Bangkok's new international airport was successfully developed after more than four decades in planning.
Upon his arrival at the new airport, the prime minister is scheduled to take some hours to visit and inspect the readiness of all its facilities before flying back to Don Muang Airport.
THAI and five other commercial airlines, including Nok Air, Thai Air Asia, Orient Thai, P.B. Air and Bangkok Airways, join the commercial flight tests for Suvarnabhumi Airport with special flights on Saturday.
The first flight of the national airline is to be followed by 21 other domestic flights throughout the day.
The Department of Aviation has already issued an Interim Aerodome Certificate for the Suvarnabhumi Airport giving operational permission to the new facility.
Many airlines, including THAI, Bangkok Airways and Air Asia, have announced that they plan to open new international routes to serve the commercial opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport on September 28.
With the scheduled opening of the country's new international airport only a few months away, complete testing of its facilities has begun since July 3 to ensure that the national showcase is fully ready for its launch.
The tests include the airport's air-conditioning and lighting systems, passenger check-in counters, customes services and the operation of its CTX bomb scanners.
The eight-storey airport complex, including an underground level, where there will be electric mass transit facilities and passenger terminals, has a total area of some 563,000 square metres and can cater to 45 million passengers annually.
Meanwhile, the Department of Land Transport has affirmed the readiness of transport services for passengers to the new airport.
The department said that transport services to the new Bangkok international airport include limousines, airport buses, and an airport express service.
Airport buses, including inter-provincial bus services, will be run by the Transport Co., Ltd and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA).
The airport express service, operated by the Thonburi Service Co., Ltd., will provide buses running through the capital's business areas and to downtown hotels in areas such as Silom and Wireless Roads.
Prime Minister Thaksin said the transport service to the new airport is not aimed to reap benefit, but to promote the kingdom globally.
Bus access and seating is also modified to facilitate passengers with disabilities, according to the Thai leader.
TNA 2006-07-29
The THAI Boeing 747-400 aircraft, flight TG181, carrying Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, other cabinet members, senior government officials and some other 400 passengers, landed to make a place in history at 08:09 a.m. at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
THAI offered a special airfare of Bt999 for the inaugural commercial flight from Don Muang Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Prime Minister Thaksin told journalists before boarding the flight that he was excited and delighted that finally the Bangkok's new international airport was successfully developed after more than four decades in planning.
Upon his arrival at the new airport, the prime minister is scheduled to take some hours to visit and inspect the readiness of all its facilities before flying back to Don Muang Airport.
THAI and five other commercial airlines, including Nok Air, Thai Air Asia, Orient Thai, P.B. Air and Bangkok Airways, join the commercial flight tests for Suvarnabhumi Airport with special flights on Saturday.
The first flight of the national airline is to be followed by 21 other domestic flights throughout the day.
The Department of Aviation has already issued an Interim Aerodome Certificate for the Suvarnabhumi Airport giving operational permission to the new facility.
Many airlines, including THAI, Bangkok Airways and Air Asia, have announced that they plan to open new international routes to serve the commercial opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport on September 28.
With the scheduled opening of the country's new international airport only a few months away, complete testing of its facilities has begun since July 3 to ensure that the national showcase is fully ready for its launch.
The tests include the airport's air-conditioning and lighting systems, passenger check-in counters, customes services and the operation of its CTX bomb scanners.
The eight-storey airport complex, including an underground level, where there will be electric mass transit facilities and passenger terminals, has a total area of some 563,000 square metres and can cater to 45 million passengers annually.
Meanwhile, the Department of Land Transport has affirmed the readiness of transport services for passengers to the new airport.
The department said that transport services to the new Bangkok international airport include limousines, airport buses, and an airport express service.
Airport buses, including inter-provincial bus services, will be run by the Transport Co., Ltd and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA).
The airport express service, operated by the Thonburi Service Co., Ltd., will provide buses running through the capital's business areas and to downtown hotels in areas such as Silom and Wireless Roads.
Prime Minister Thaksin said the transport service to the new airport is not aimed to reap benefit, but to promote the kingdom globally.
Bus access and seating is also modified to facilitate passengers with disabilities, according to the Thai leader.
TNA 2006-07-29
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
Travel agents among sceptics
To read in Bangkok Post:
Travel agents among sceptics
Local travel agents have joined the sceptics who believe Suvarnabhumi International Airport will not be ready for its scheduled official opening on Sept 28. The airport's readiness to accommodate travellers in large numbers remains very much in doubt, according to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA).
''Facilities for inbound and outbound tourists such as airport ground services, ATTA's counter services for tourist arrivals, and the parking area, are not yet completed, despite the fact that such facilities are very important because they represent the national image,'' ATTA president Apichart Sankary said yesterday.
Half of the tourists who visit Thailand are customers of ATTA members.
According to Mr Apichart, Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) had directed the association to develop counter services for arriving passengers on the third floor of the airport, despite the fact that the third floor area was not considered an appropriate area by the association.
He said ATTA had presented a much more appropriate proposal for first-floor space to AoT but had not yet received any response.
Mr Apichart suggested that the government should revise the airport's space allocation, a major concern for all operators. The association has invited AoT to explain various issues to 1,300 ATTA members on Aug 8.
Tour East Co managing director Prasert Aswapornchai said several airlines had also expressed concerns about the airport's readiness.
Mr Prasert also voiced a concern about the relatively high cost of using services at the new airport which worked out at around 65 baht per tourist compared with 8-10 baht currently at Don Muang airport.
He urged the authorities in charge of the airport to reconsider the issues, because high costs would directly affect both business operators and tourists.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/Business/29Jul2006_biz44.php
Travel agents among sceptics
Local travel agents have joined the sceptics who believe Suvarnabhumi International Airport will not be ready for its scheduled official opening on Sept 28. The airport's readiness to accommodate travellers in large numbers remains very much in doubt, according to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA).
''Facilities for inbound and outbound tourists such as airport ground services, ATTA's counter services for tourist arrivals, and the parking area, are not yet completed, despite the fact that such facilities are very important because they represent the national image,'' ATTA president Apichart Sankary said yesterday.
Half of the tourists who visit Thailand are customers of ATTA members.
According to Mr Apichart, Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) had directed the association to develop counter services for arriving passengers on the third floor of the airport, despite the fact that the third floor area was not considered an appropriate area by the association.
He said ATTA had presented a much more appropriate proposal for first-floor space to AoT but had not yet received any response.
Mr Apichart suggested that the government should revise the airport's space allocation, a major concern for all operators. The association has invited AoT to explain various issues to 1,300 ATTA members on Aug 8.
Tour East Co managing director Prasert Aswapornchai said several airlines had also expressed concerns about the airport's readiness.
Mr Prasert also voiced a concern about the relatively high cost of using services at the new airport which worked out at around 65 baht per tourist compared with 8-10 baht currently at Don Muang airport.
He urged the authorities in charge of the airport to reconsider the issues, because high costs would directly affect both business operators and tourists.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/Business/29Jul2006_biz44.php
Twenty smooth flights, but . . .
Doubts remain over readiness to cope with heavy traffic by Sept 28
Despite the smooth landings and take-offs of the first domestic commercial flights at Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday, critics and airline executives remain sceptical about its readiness to handle heavy traffic when it opens for full operation in September.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), a grouping of 250 international airlines, protested that the opening date - September 28 - had been arrived at by a one-sided decision made by Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT). IATA says it has never been consulted about the date.
"Conducting test flights is a normal process for [a] new airport opening," said Albert Tjoeng, IATA manager of corporate communications, in a telephone interview from Singapore after the completion of yesterday's test fights.
"Test flights only exhibit the integrity of the procedures. It does not say anything about the airport's readiness to handle heavy traffic.
"And it is equally important that AOT engages all stakeholders, including airlines, in consultations to set a mutually agreed go or no-go decision for the opening date of the airport," Tjoeng said.
"There have been no consultations to set a mutually agreed date," he said.
Suvarnabhumi handled about 20 domestic flights yesterday, but when it is fully open more than 500 domestic and international flights are expected to fly in and out of it daily.
Democrat Party executive Kiati Sithiamorn, who has monitored the airport's construction, yesterday voiced concerns about its readiness.
The only way to prepare the airport to handle problems that may occur during peak times is through detailed and comprehensive testing, he said.
"A few test flights today mean so little when it comes to evaluating the airport's readiness," Kiati said.
"The only purpose this fanfare event served was a public-relations exercise for political purposes.
"This is very worrying, when marketing is used to cover problems that may affect the safety of people," he added.
Somchai Sawasdeepon, general manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport, said all new airports risked system break downs, especially the information technology (IT) system that links all facets of the facility, but Suvarnabhumi had prepared several measures for a back-up system.
"We have two more months to test and work out things in detail," Somchai added. "But today [yesterday's test flights] is testimony that our officials are working in full spirit. We will have a meeting on Monday to evaluate the results of the test."
Thailand's Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) on Wednesday issued an interim aerodrome certificate to the AOT stating that the physical structure of the airport was satisfactory. However, a senior DCA official told The Nation that the AOT should spend much more time testing the airport's readiness, especially the IT system that links the entire operational system.
"Hong Kong airport comprehensively tested their system for an entire year, but still ran into problems when it opened [in 1998]," said the official, who asked not to be named.
"Suvarnabhumi just started testing the system for a few months. I think we need to spend a much longer time to carry out the tests. We should open the airport when it is really ready," the official said.
When the new Hong Kong International Airport opened for commercial operation in 1998 it encountered failures in both its cargo and gate systems. Perishable goods expired and the image of the airport was tarnished.
The new Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which opened the same year, faced problems in its baggage-handling system.
IATA described the mistakes as "a costly and embarrassing experience for Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur".
After the problematic opening of the airports in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, Tjoeng said IATA developed a "New Airport Checklist" as a comprehensive guide detailing which systems and procedures should be verified prior to an airport's opening.
"We were hoping that the AOT could use the checklist as the basis for frank and open discussions to update the airlines on the readiness of Suvarnabhumi," Tjoeng said.
"We have not had enough such discussions yet."
Nantiya Tangwisutijit
The Nation 2006-07-30
Doubts remain over readiness to cope with heavy traffic by Sept 28
Despite the smooth landings and take-offs of the first domestic commercial flights at Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday, critics and airline executives remain sceptical about its readiness to handle heavy traffic when it opens for full operation in September.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), a grouping of 250 international airlines, protested that the opening date - September 28 - had been arrived at by a one-sided decision made by Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT). IATA says it has never been consulted about the date.
"Conducting test flights is a normal process for [a] new airport opening," said Albert Tjoeng, IATA manager of corporate communications, in a telephone interview from Singapore after the completion of yesterday's test fights.
"Test flights only exhibit the integrity of the procedures. It does not say anything about the airport's readiness to handle heavy traffic.
"And it is equally important that AOT engages all stakeholders, including airlines, in consultations to set a mutually agreed go or no-go decision for the opening date of the airport," Tjoeng said.
"There have been no consultations to set a mutually agreed date," he said.
Suvarnabhumi handled about 20 domestic flights yesterday, but when it is fully open more than 500 domestic and international flights are expected to fly in and out of it daily.
Democrat Party executive Kiati Sithiamorn, who has monitored the airport's construction, yesterday voiced concerns about its readiness.
The only way to prepare the airport to handle problems that may occur during peak times is through detailed and comprehensive testing, he said.
"A few test flights today mean so little when it comes to evaluating the airport's readiness," Kiati said.
"The only purpose this fanfare event served was a public-relations exercise for political purposes.
"This is very worrying, when marketing is used to cover problems that may affect the safety of people," he added.
Somchai Sawasdeepon, general manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport, said all new airports risked system break downs, especially the information technology (IT) system that links all facets of the facility, but Suvarnabhumi had prepared several measures for a back-up system.
"We have two more months to test and work out things in detail," Somchai added. "But today [yesterday's test flights] is testimony that our officials are working in full spirit. We will have a meeting on Monday to evaluate the results of the test."
Thailand's Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) on Wednesday issued an interim aerodrome certificate to the AOT stating that the physical structure of the airport was satisfactory. However, a senior DCA official told The Nation that the AOT should spend much more time testing the airport's readiness, especially the IT system that links the entire operational system.
"Hong Kong airport comprehensively tested their system for an entire year, but still ran into problems when it opened [in 1998]," said the official, who asked not to be named.
"Suvarnabhumi just started testing the system for a few months. I think we need to spend a much longer time to carry out the tests. We should open the airport when it is really ready," the official said.
When the new Hong Kong International Airport opened for commercial operation in 1998 it encountered failures in both its cargo and gate systems. Perishable goods expired and the image of the airport was tarnished.
The new Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which opened the same year, faced problems in its baggage-handling system.
IATA described the mistakes as "a costly and embarrassing experience for Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur".
After the problematic opening of the airports in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, Tjoeng said IATA developed a "New Airport Checklist" as a comprehensive guide detailing which systems and procedures should be verified prior to an airport's opening.
"We were hoping that the AOT could use the checklist as the basis for frank and open discussions to update the airlines on the readiness of Suvarnabhumi," Tjoeng said.
"We have not had enough such discussions yet."
Nantiya Tangwisutijit
The Nation 2006-07-30
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
'Don't play if you don't want to pay,' AoT president tells carriers
Airlines that are unhappy with the charges at Suvarnabhumi International Airport can choose not to use its facilities, according to the chief of the state-controlled Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT). ''If you are so unhappy (with airport charges), simply don't come,'' AoT president Chotisak Asapaviriya said in response to complaints by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) about the 15% rise in landing and parking charges at Bangkok's new airport.
''Stop intimidating us through the media and passing on half-truths to the public,'' he said in an interview.
Mr Chotisak, in the job for less than three months, insisted that AoT was not prepared to yield under pressure to delay or reduce the increase, scheduled for Oct 1, two days after the scheduled launch of commercial services at the new airport.
He said the new landing and parking fee at Suvarnabhumi was still lower than at other leading airports in Asia, at $1,795 for a Boeing 747-400 jet, compared to $2,241 in Singapore, $3,445 in Hong Kong and $8,055 at Tokyo Narita.
The current charge at Don Muang for the same type of aircraft is $1,592.
Mr Chotisak said the recent suggestion personally made to him by David Inglis, assistant director for airport development for Asia-Pacific at IATA, to put off the fee hike by three years from the Suvarnabhumi opening, did not make sense.
"Suvarnabhumi is a brand-new airport, costing more to build and operate, but will serve carriers and passengers better,'' he said. ''So could they (airlines) expect to pay the same rates?
''Don't forget that AoT has the obligation to pay back loans (amounting to around 73 billion baht) and a daily loan interest payment of 24 million baht.
''On top of that, we are committed to shareholders to follow on the business plan and to meet revenue projections.''
AoT, which is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, has forecast that its 2006 revenue will grow by 15% to 17 billion baht, from 14.8 billion last year.
About 90 international airlines operate in and out of Don Muang and most of them expect to make Suvarnabhumi their new port of call.
''It is disheartening to see that IATA (which represents more than 270 airlines around the world) chose to attack us through the media, rather than engaging in direct consultation with us to find the best solution for all parties concerned,'' Mr Chotisak said.
He questioned the significance of landing and parking contributions to an airline's overall operating costs.
''The landing and parking fee represents merely a small percentage of the costs. They should focus on cost cutting on major items such as fuel.
''Why don't they ask Opec (the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) to reduce oil prices?'' Mr Chotisak asked rhetorically.
He said that there would be no more congestion for air traffic at Suvarnabhumi, and carriers would be able to make significant savings on fuel expenses as they would have shorter take-off and landing waiting times than at Don Muang.
The resulting savings on fuel would far outweigh the 15% rise in the landing and parking fee, he said.
AoT was sympathetic about the cost pressure airlines were facing and was looking for ways to help, Mr Chotisak said, without elaborating.
Meanwhile, IATA expressed concerns about what it referred to as a lack of effective consultations on charges.
''Airlines' views need to be taken into account and a mutually equitable agreement reached. A high priority for any airport should be efficiency and lower charges for airlines,'' said Albert Tjoeng, the IATA spokesman for Asia Pacific.
The across-the-board increase in fees, including a 15% rise in landing and parking charges, would make Bangkok's new airport more expensive for operators and passengers, and hence less competitive when compared to other airports in the region, he warned.
Singapore, for example, had introduced discounts and incentives for airlines until 2008. AoT should follow these international best practices, said Mr Tjoeng.
He said AoT also needed to bear in mind that the increase in charges would add to the financial burden incurred by airlines in having to move from Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi, which is expected to total three to four billion baht.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/Business/01Aug2006_biz25.php
_____________________________________________________________
Will be interesting to see how the "officials" want to increase tourism, with this miraculous and friendly business policy !?
... but they gave already a brilliant additional advice, ' ... simply don't come ! '
Airlines that are unhappy with the charges at Suvarnabhumi International Airport can choose not to use its facilities, according to the chief of the state-controlled Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT). ''If you are so unhappy (with airport charges), simply don't come,'' AoT president Chotisak Asapaviriya said in response to complaints by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) about the 15% rise in landing and parking charges at Bangkok's new airport.
''Stop intimidating us through the media and passing on half-truths to the public,'' he said in an interview.
Mr Chotisak, in the job for less than three months, insisted that AoT was not prepared to yield under pressure to delay or reduce the increase, scheduled for Oct 1, two days after the scheduled launch of commercial services at the new airport.
He said the new landing and parking fee at Suvarnabhumi was still lower than at other leading airports in Asia, at $1,795 for a Boeing 747-400 jet, compared to $2,241 in Singapore, $3,445 in Hong Kong and $8,055 at Tokyo Narita.
The current charge at Don Muang for the same type of aircraft is $1,592.
Mr Chotisak said the recent suggestion personally made to him by David Inglis, assistant director for airport development for Asia-Pacific at IATA, to put off the fee hike by three years from the Suvarnabhumi opening, did not make sense.
"Suvarnabhumi is a brand-new airport, costing more to build and operate, but will serve carriers and passengers better,'' he said. ''So could they (airlines) expect to pay the same rates?
''Don't forget that AoT has the obligation to pay back loans (amounting to around 73 billion baht) and a daily loan interest payment of 24 million baht.
''On top of that, we are committed to shareholders to follow on the business plan and to meet revenue projections.''
AoT, which is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, has forecast that its 2006 revenue will grow by 15% to 17 billion baht, from 14.8 billion last year.
About 90 international airlines operate in and out of Don Muang and most of them expect to make Suvarnabhumi their new port of call.
''It is disheartening to see that IATA (which represents more than 270 airlines around the world) chose to attack us through the media, rather than engaging in direct consultation with us to find the best solution for all parties concerned,'' Mr Chotisak said.
He questioned the significance of landing and parking contributions to an airline's overall operating costs.
''The landing and parking fee represents merely a small percentage of the costs. They should focus on cost cutting on major items such as fuel.
''Why don't they ask Opec (the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) to reduce oil prices?'' Mr Chotisak asked rhetorically.
He said that there would be no more congestion for air traffic at Suvarnabhumi, and carriers would be able to make significant savings on fuel expenses as they would have shorter take-off and landing waiting times than at Don Muang.
The resulting savings on fuel would far outweigh the 15% rise in the landing and parking fee, he said.
AoT was sympathetic about the cost pressure airlines were facing and was looking for ways to help, Mr Chotisak said, without elaborating.
Meanwhile, IATA expressed concerns about what it referred to as a lack of effective consultations on charges.
''Airlines' views need to be taken into account and a mutually equitable agreement reached. A high priority for any airport should be efficiency and lower charges for airlines,'' said Albert Tjoeng, the IATA spokesman for Asia Pacific.
The across-the-board increase in fees, including a 15% rise in landing and parking charges, would make Bangkok's new airport more expensive for operators and passengers, and hence less competitive when compared to other airports in the region, he warned.
Singapore, for example, had introduced discounts and incentives for airlines until 2008. AoT should follow these international best practices, said Mr Tjoeng.
He said AoT also needed to bear in mind that the increase in charges would add to the financial burden incurred by airlines in having to move from Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi, which is expected to total three to four billion baht.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/Business/01Aug2006_biz25.php
_____________________________________________________________
Will be interesting to see how the "officials" want to increase tourism, with this miraculous and friendly business policy !?
... but they gave already a brilliant additional advice, ' ... simply don't come ! '
Don Muang become market partly when Suvarnabhumi is opened
BANGKOK: -- When flight operations cease at Don Muang Aiprort, Thailand's Ministry of Commerce plans to convert at least a portion of Don Muang International Airport's existing departure areas into a central market after the new Suvarnabhumi International Airport is opened for commercial use on September 28, Deputy Commerce Minister Preecha Laohapongchana said Saturday.
The Don Muang Airport has two international terminals and one domestic terminal.
Departure areas are on the upper levels of the three terminals.
Arrivals are on the ground floor of the three terminals, while parking facilities are available for prospective shoppers.
A feasibility study has been conducted and will be soon given to Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, also a deputy prime minister, for his consideration before being submitted to the cabinet for a final approval, Mr. Preecha said.
The ministry plans to use 5,000 to 10,000 square metres of the airport's departure section for use as central market which will enable people to buy goods at fair prices, Mr. Preecha said.
Manufacturers will be allowed to display and sell their merchandises at the area, but their rights will be revoked if their goods are found to be overpriced or the quality is poor, he added.
TNA 2006-08-05
The Don Muang Airport has two international terminals and one domestic terminal.
Departure areas are on the upper levels of the three terminals.
Arrivals are on the ground floor of the three terminals, while parking facilities are available for prospective shoppers.
A feasibility study has been conducted and will be soon given to Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, also a deputy prime minister, for his consideration before being submitted to the cabinet for a final approval, Mr. Preecha said.
The ministry plans to use 5,000 to 10,000 square metres of the airport's departure section for use as central market which will enable people to buy goods at fair prices, Mr. Preecha said.
Manufacturers will be allowed to display and sell their merchandises at the area, but their rights will be revoked if their goods are found to be overpriced or the quality is poor, he added.
TNA 2006-08-05
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
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Spiffy Florence
Bas quoted;
All systems at Suvarnabhumi airport will be ready for the opening of its full-scale commercial service at 3am on Sept 28 when Don Muang airport will be closed to scheduled flights, caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said.
Mr Thaksin was speaking after chairing a meeting of the government's committee supervising the airport's construction earlier today.
Airlines will bring their aircraft for departure at the new airport from that time.``Empty planes will wait for take-off at Suvarnabhumi that morning and that will start the full-scale commercial service,'' he said.
This was posted some time ago, but I’ve just realised what it says. Mr. T. seems to think that airlines are going to fly there aircraft empty from Don Muang to the new airport, and then wait for it to open to leave again!
Well I’ve worked for many airlines around the world and I can tell you they bloody will not! Most airline accountants would happily commit suicide rather than let an aircraft fly anywhere empty.
I expect Mr. T. will order Thai Airlines to carry out this silly exercise so that one of there aircraft gets on TV taking off on the inaugural flight, and everyone else will then land at the new airport, and hopefully leave one hour later as normal. This will save the lives of numerous accountants the world over.
All systems at Suvarnabhumi airport will be ready for the opening of its full-scale commercial service at 3am on Sept 28 when Don Muang airport will be closed to scheduled flights, caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said.
Mr Thaksin was speaking after chairing a meeting of the government's committee supervising the airport's construction earlier today.
Airlines will bring their aircraft for departure at the new airport from that time.``Empty planes will wait for take-off at Suvarnabhumi that morning and that will start the full-scale commercial service,'' he said.
This was posted some time ago, but I’ve just realised what it says. Mr. T. seems to think that airlines are going to fly there aircraft empty from Don Muang to the new airport, and then wait for it to open to leave again!
Well I’ve worked for many airlines around the world and I can tell you they bloody will not! Most airline accountants would happily commit suicide rather than let an aircraft fly anywhere empty.
I expect Mr. T. will order Thai Airlines to carry out this silly exercise so that one of there aircraft gets on TV taking off on the inaugural flight, and everyone else will then land at the new airport, and hopefully leave one hour later as normal. This will save the lives of numerous accountants the world over.