IATA urges Thailand to delay opening
BANGKOK: -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged Thailand to postpone the opening of Suvarnabhumi airport from around early July to December, citing problems by member airlines in entering a passenger building to set up their service systems.
More than 270 airlines hold IATA membership in 140 countries. The latest call came after the international body's meeting on April 4 and 5.
As the planned opening of the new airport is only three months away, most airlines planning to shift their operations from Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi expressed concern at the gathering that only Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways had so far entered the passenger building to set up new offices.
An IATA source said the other airlines could not enter the new airport because ITO Joint Venture, the constructor, has still not handed over the project to Airports of Thailand (AoT).
Under regular procedures AoT, the agency responsible for Thai airports, must inform all airlines six months in advance of the opening of the new airport.
Large carriers need three months to prepare operation space and test service systems.
But the uncertainty over when Suvarnabhumi will be officially opened is now a prime concern for the airlines.
''There remain only three months to the July scheduled opening. This may be inadequate for airlines' preparation work. It is thus in the best interests of everyone to postpone [the opening date] to December,'' the source said.
Several airlines were unhappy with the double-airport policy, where Don Muang would be retained to cater to low-cost airlines and chartered flights, according to the same source.
They said all carriers wanted a presence in Don Muang, given its much lower landing and other fees than Suvarnabhumi.
The future of Don Muang is expected to be tabled in talks on Thursday between caretaker Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal, AoT, the Department of Aviation and the Airline Operators Committee.
--Bangkok Post 2006-04-17
SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT
SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
Suvarnabhumi Airport set to open on Sept 28
Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi Airport is now set to open for commercial purposes on September 28, the Transport Ministry announced here on Wednesday.
The opening date of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport was set recently by the government commmittee on management and development of the new airport, Deputies Transport Minister Gen.Chainant Charoensiri and Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai told a press conference after a meeting here Wednesday with the board of directors of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), the national flag carrier.
A new committee comprising of representatives of all parties concerned, including Airports of Thailand Public Co., Ltd. (AOT), the Customs Department, the Immigration Bureau, THAI and other international airlines, would also be set up to oversee the relocation of Bangkok's internatonal airport from the Don Muang Airport to the Suvarnabhumi Airport, the two ministers said.
The committee set-up will be complete by June 17 when Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will chair a meeting of all the parties concerned to review all projects and plans involving the Suvarnabhumi Airport, including the remaining construction and decoration works, to ensure that the new airport will be opened as scheduled, according to the ministers.
Gen. Chainant oversees AOT, while Mr. Phumtham supervises THAI.
"Construction and decoration works at the Suvarnabhumi Airport have been nearly complete at the moment. Only some minor works are to be settled over the next four months; so, I can say we're now ready for the opening of the new airport," said Gen. Chainant.
THAI will begin moving its offices from the Don Muang Airport in early September and will completely move to the new airport the night before its opening on September 28, according to the company's top management.
--TNA 2006-06-08
The opening date of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport was set recently by the government commmittee on management and development of the new airport, Deputies Transport Minister Gen.Chainant Charoensiri and Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai told a press conference after a meeting here Wednesday with the board of directors of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), the national flag carrier.
A new committee comprising of representatives of all parties concerned, including Airports of Thailand Public Co., Ltd. (AOT), the Customs Department, the Immigration Bureau, THAI and other international airlines, would also be set up to oversee the relocation of Bangkok's internatonal airport from the Don Muang Airport to the Suvarnabhumi Airport, the two ministers said.
The committee set-up will be complete by June 17 when Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will chair a meeting of all the parties concerned to review all projects and plans involving the Suvarnabhumi Airport, including the remaining construction and decoration works, to ensure that the new airport will be opened as scheduled, according to the ministers.
Gen. Chainant oversees AOT, while Mr. Phumtham supervises THAI.
"Construction and decoration works at the Suvarnabhumi Airport have been nearly complete at the moment. Only some minor works are to be settled over the next four months; so, I can say we're now ready for the opening of the new airport," said Gen. Chainant.
THAI will begin moving its offices from the Don Muang Airport in early September and will completely move to the new airport the night before its opening on September 28, according to the company's top management.
--TNA 2006-06-08
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
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Kraka's Dad
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Please contact the billing/support department as soon as possible.This Account Has Been Suspended. http://www.siaminterhost.com Please contact the billing/support department as soon as possible.
www.suvarnabhumiairport.com/ - 5k - Cached - Similar pages
This is the first hit on Google. Is this significant or just an oversite by the official Airport site??
I hope it is not a portent of things to come at the new airport.
www.suvarnabhumiairport.com/ - 5k - Cached - Similar pages
This is the first hit on Google. Is this significant or just an oversite by the official Airport site??
I hope it is not a portent of things to come at the new airport.
The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
airport
Can you imagine the chaos opening the new airport in December! We have substantial tourist bookings for then and January and I dread to think of what will happen if we have to cope with unusual surroundings and then use the existing road system because it looks like the last peice of the new ring road from Phrae Padang to the airport will not be finished. And then they all have to go home! Man I can forsee a whole lot of pissed of farangs who have missed flights. Amazed in Thailand.
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so will be landing at Don Muang but will next be coming in January so will be watching this space for information.-
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Monday the testing of the new airport facilities will begin
BANGKOK: -- With the scheduled opening of Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi International Airport only three months away, complete testing of the new airport facilities will begin Monday (July 3), the airport director said Saturday, to ensure that the national showcase is ready for the launch.
Suvarnabhumi Airport Director Somchai Sawasdipol said tests would be conducted on air-conditioning and lighting systems, passenger check-in counters and the operation of CTX bomb scanners starting Monday and continuing until the airport's opening for commercial use.
Low-cost airlines will undertake tests by taking off and landing at the airport on July 29.
The airport is scheduled for commercial opening two months later, on September 28.
Regarding expressed concerns that staff who are transferred from the existing Don Muang International Airport and newly recruited personnel may encounter problems on using the state-of-the-art equipment at Suvarnabhumi Airport when it opens, Mr. Somchai said there should be no problem as full training has been given to all officials.
The eight-storey complex, including an underground floor--where there will be electric mass transit facilities--and passenger terminals of the new airport, has a total area of some 563,000 square meters and is located on the northern part of the airport. It can cater to 45 million passengers annually.
--TNA 2006-07-01
Suvarnabhumi Airport Director Somchai Sawasdipol said tests would be conducted on air-conditioning and lighting systems, passenger check-in counters and the operation of CTX bomb scanners starting Monday and continuing until the airport's opening for commercial use.
Low-cost airlines will undertake tests by taking off and landing at the airport on July 29.
The airport is scheduled for commercial opening two months later, on September 28.
Regarding expressed concerns that staff who are transferred from the existing Don Muang International Airport and newly recruited personnel may encounter problems on using the state-of-the-art equipment at Suvarnabhumi Airport when it opens, Mr. Somchai said there should be no problem as full training has been given to all officials.
The eight-storey complex, including an underground floor--where there will be electric mass transit facilities--and passenger terminals of the new airport, has a total area of some 563,000 square meters and is located on the northern part of the airport. It can cater to 45 million passengers annually.
--TNA 2006-07-01
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
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I say the odds for the new Bangkok Interantional airport to open is pretty moderate it has been dalayed several times in the past why shouldn't it delay again?
An opening for Suvannbhumi Airport in december would be a nichtmare for Thailand's High Season travelers and travellers who wants out of Thailand as well. As well with the forcast of Thailands Meteological Institute which predicts haevy rains and flooding for Bangkok by years end because of the La Nina Phenomenon.
I suggest the Airport should open @ mid october right @ the start ok the High Season begiingn so people could cope with the changes.
For us living in Hua Hin it will be more than two hours ride to the New Airport. People who want to Pattaya and Chol buri area will be ther in no time.
your the undrstudy
An opening for Suvannbhumi Airport in december would be a nichtmare for Thailand's High Season travelers and travellers who wants out of Thailand as well. As well with the forcast of Thailands Meteological Institute which predicts haevy rains and flooding for Bangkok by years end because of the La Nina Phenomenon.
I suggest the Airport should open @ mid october right @ the start ok the High Season begiingn so people could cope with the changes.
For us living in Hua Hin it will be more than two hours ride to the New Airport. People who want to Pattaya and Chol buri area will be ther in no time.
your the undrstudy
Transport to Suvarnabhumi airport operable in September.
Thailand's Land Transport Department affirmed the readiness of transport service for passengers to Suvarnabhumi airport scheduled to open for commercial purposes on September 28.
Director-General Piyapan Champasut said that transport services to the new Bangkok airport will include limousines, airport buses, and airport express service.
The limousines will be provided by the Thai Airways International Public Company Limited and another two companies to be selected by a bidding process.
Airport buses--including inter-provincial bus service--will be run by the Transport Co., Ltd and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority.
The airport express service operated by the Thonburi Service Co., Ltd. will provide buses running through business areas and to downtown hotels in areas such as Silom and Wireless roads.
The director general said the fare cost of the services --including limousines--would not be expensive.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said the transport service to the airport is not aimed to reap benefit but to promote the country. Bus access and seating will be modified to facilitate passengers with disabilities, he added.
Thailand's Land Transport Department affirmed the readiness of transport service for passengers to Suvarnabhumi airport scheduled to open for commercial purposes on September 28.
Director-General Piyapan Champasut said that transport services to the new Bangkok airport will include limousines, airport buses, and airport express service.
The limousines will be provided by the Thai Airways International Public Company Limited and another two companies to be selected by a bidding process.
Airport buses--including inter-provincial bus service--will be run by the Transport Co., Ltd and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority.
The airport express service operated by the Thonburi Service Co., Ltd. will provide buses running through business areas and to downtown hotels in areas such as Silom and Wireless roads.
The director general said the fare cost of the services --including limousines--would not be expensive.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said the transport service to the airport is not aimed to reap benefit but to promote the country. Bus access and seating will be modified to facilitate passengers with disabilities, he added.
I intend to live forever - so far so good.
Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) expects Bangkok's new international airport to be certified for safety by the UN International Civil Aviation Organisation on Friday, said AOT president Chotisak Asapaviriya.
"The certificate will help boost the confidence of both domestic and international airlines using Suvarnabhumi International Airport, before its scheduled opening on September 28," he said.
Chotisak said the company would assess any problems at the airport after the flight tests scheduled for July 29.
Besides the six local airlines that will conduct 13 commercial test flights, he said some foreign airlines were interested in making test flights.
These include Angel Airline of Singapore and Jetstar Asia Airway, a budget carrier based in Australia.
The six local airlines that will make test flights are Thai Airways International, Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Orient Thai, PB Air and Bangkok Airways.
"The certificate will help boost the confidence of both domestic and international airlines using Suvarnabhumi International Airport, before its scheduled opening on September 28," he said.
Chotisak said the company would assess any problems at the airport after the flight tests scheduled for July 29.
Besides the six local airlines that will conduct 13 commercial test flights, he said some foreign airlines were interested in making test flights.
These include Angel Airline of Singapore and Jetstar Asia Airway, a budget carrier based in Australia.
The six local airlines that will make test flights are Thai Airways International, Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Orient Thai, PB Air and Bangkok Airways.
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
Budget airlines seek Suvarnabhumi delay
Most don't trust Sept 28 deadline
BOONSONG KOSITCHOTETHANA
Thailand's three budget airlines have urged the government to reschedule the opening of Suvarnabhumi airport beyond Sept 28 as they don't believe it will be ready.
Thai AirAsia, Nok Air and One-Two-Go have asked the Transport Ministry in a letter to be realistic about setting a new deadline.
''The opening date [Sept 28] is too rushed. It will be beset with a lot of problems if the government insists on opening the airport prematurely on that day,'' said Sehapan Chumsai, executive vice-president for marketing of Nok Air, an affiliate of Thai Airways International.
The government would only open itself to criticism from the public and could face further embarrassment if glitches accompany the airport's opening, he said.
The three carriers say it will do no harm to have flights continue to operate out of the existing Don Muang airport, which is coping despite heavy congestion, until Suvarnabhumi is truly ready.
International carriers are also on record as being equally sceptical about the Sept 28 opening date promised by caretaker prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
''We [budget airlines] are not against moving to Suvarnabhumi, though we are comfortable remaining at Don Muang,'' Mr Sehapan said.
Among the obvious problems with Suvarnabhumi is that despite four decades of stop-and-start planning and development, a clear transport plan is still lacking.
''The general public still do not have a clue as to whether there will be public transport to the site. Worse still, many simply don't know how to get there,'' said Mr Sehapan.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents almost all of the world's airlines, warned recently that Suvarnabhumi should begin commercial operations only when it is operationally ready.
''This means having undergone the required robust and comprehensive testing and trials to ensure that the various systems are working 100% and are seamlessly integrated,'' said Albert Tjoeng, the Asia-Pacific spokesman for IATA.
''We want it to be a safe and successful opening and cost-efficient in order to be a successful hub. No one wants the cost or embarrassment of a troubled opening.''
Despite serious doubts expressed by the industry, the Transport Ministry and Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) remain committed to the Sept 28 opening.
Pongsak Raktapongpaisal, the caretaker transport minister, has been upset by reports casting doubt on the schedule, and has even gone so far as accusing the media, especially foreign news agencies that carried the reports, of having ''a hidden agenda''.
Mr Pongsak said that Suvarnabhumi managers had been running tests since Sept 29 last year, and that recent inspections showed satisfactory results.
Aviation communications were in place, including the navigation system, and facilities such as the luggage conveyor and check-in systems were completely ready for service, he added.
Bangkok post 07-08-2006
BOONSONG KOSITCHOTETHANA
Thailand's three budget airlines have urged the government to reschedule the opening of Suvarnabhumi airport beyond Sept 28 as they don't believe it will be ready.
Thai AirAsia, Nok Air and One-Two-Go have asked the Transport Ministry in a letter to be realistic about setting a new deadline.
''The opening date [Sept 28] is too rushed. It will be beset with a lot of problems if the government insists on opening the airport prematurely on that day,'' said Sehapan Chumsai, executive vice-president for marketing of Nok Air, an affiliate of Thai Airways International.
The government would only open itself to criticism from the public and could face further embarrassment if glitches accompany the airport's opening, he said.
The three carriers say it will do no harm to have flights continue to operate out of the existing Don Muang airport, which is coping despite heavy congestion, until Suvarnabhumi is truly ready.
International carriers are also on record as being equally sceptical about the Sept 28 opening date promised by caretaker prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
''We [budget airlines] are not against moving to Suvarnabhumi, though we are comfortable remaining at Don Muang,'' Mr Sehapan said.
Among the obvious problems with Suvarnabhumi is that despite four decades of stop-and-start planning and development, a clear transport plan is still lacking.
''The general public still do not have a clue as to whether there will be public transport to the site. Worse still, many simply don't know how to get there,'' said Mr Sehapan.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents almost all of the world's airlines, warned recently that Suvarnabhumi should begin commercial operations only when it is operationally ready.
''This means having undergone the required robust and comprehensive testing and trials to ensure that the various systems are working 100% and are seamlessly integrated,'' said Albert Tjoeng, the Asia-Pacific spokesman for IATA.
''We want it to be a safe and successful opening and cost-efficient in order to be a successful hub. No one wants the cost or embarrassment of a troubled opening.''
Despite serious doubts expressed by the industry, the Transport Ministry and Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) remain committed to the Sept 28 opening.
Pongsak Raktapongpaisal, the caretaker transport minister, has been upset by reports casting doubt on the schedule, and has even gone so far as accusing the media, especially foreign news agencies that carried the reports, of having ''a hidden agenda''.
Mr Pongsak said that Suvarnabhumi managers had been running tests since Sept 29 last year, and that recent inspections showed satisfactory results.
Aviation communications were in place, including the navigation system, and facilities such as the luggage conveyor and check-in systems were completely ready for service, he added.
Bangkok post 07-08-2006
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
