Thai govt decides to use both airports

[Admin]

Thai govt decides to use both airports 
Bangkok Post: 30 Oct 2009
Govt decides to use both airports


The government will keep both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi international airports operating, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said on Thursday.

Mr Korn said he had discussed the issue with Transport Minister Sophon Zarum and it was agreed that the two main airports should be open to commercial flights as they are existing assets of the country.

His ministry was now studying the advantages and disadvantages of separating the management of the two international airports by setting up of a new company to manage Don Mueang.

“This will create competition between the new company and Airports of Thailand Plc which is now supervising the two airports,” the minister said.

[nookiebear]

Very little activity at Don Muang  last week

[Admin]

IATA wants a single Bangkok airport 
The Nation: 14 Nov 2009
IATA wants single airport for Bangkok

The International Air Transport Association is urging the government to operate a single airport for Bangkok and suggests officials build a domestic terminal at Suvarnabhumi.

IATA director-general and chief executive Giovanni Bisignani on November 2 delivered a letter to Transport Minister Sophon Saram advocating a single airport for the capital.

It said a one-airport policy was best for passengers, airlines and the local economy.

"IATA asked that the government reconsider its proposal to operate two commercial airports in Bangkok. The old Don Mueang Airport should be used for general aviation and non-scheduled traffic," Bisignani said yesterday.

The government recently announced it would operate two airports for Bangkok: three-year-old Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport.

Bisignani said Bangkok served as the gateway to Thailand and was a critical transit hub for international and domestic travellers, so it should have all operations in one location.

"Splitting airline operations between two airports will no doubt result in increased passenger inconvenience for travellers flying into one airport and out of the other. Also, two airports will result in a duplication of investment - in airlines, airports and Aerothai [Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, which manages air-traffic control] resources - leading to increased costs for airline and passengers. Both of these factors will have a detrimental effect on the sustainable viability of airline operations in Thailand," he said.

IATA is also aware Suvarnabhumi Airport is operating close to its stated capacity of 45 million passengers.

Rather than diverting resources to Don Mueang, all efforts should be made to optimise and expand Suvarnabhumi's capacity instead, Bisignani said.

"In this regard, IATA urges the government to initiate a new domestic terminal with a capacity of 65 million passengers by 2013. In the interim, all stakeholders need to work together to enhance and ensure initialisation of current facilities," he said.

Bisignani said the present slowdown in aviation traffic provided an added incentive and a window of opportunity for this effort.

The letter said the World Travel and Tourism Council reported travel and tourism last year contributed US$38 billion (Bt1.27 trillion) to gross domestic product and provided 4 million jobs in Thailand.

It said the government should try to maintain its regional leadership in the industry by persuading airlines to remain.

IATA, along with the local Board of Airline Representatives and the Airline Operators Committee of Bangkok, is ready to work with the government in this matter, Bisignani said.

[nookiebear]

I can't see the logic to use both unless it is just to give Thai's jobs!!!!!!!!!!