Suvarnabhumi plans second terminal

[Admin]

Suvarnabhumi plans second terminal 
The Nation: 29 Aug 2009
Suvarnabhumi starts second terminal in 2012

Airports of Thailand plans to build a domestic passenger terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport while inviting the private sector to invest in six projects at the old Don Mueang Airport.

Construction of the new terminal will start in 2012 for completion in 2015, to accommodate an additional 20 million passengers a year.

It will cost less than Bt10 billion, said AOT president Serirat Prasutanond. The project is part of a long-term investment programme that includes construction of a third runway and a midfield terminal.

However, the company will build the domestic terminal first. It will be connected to the present main terminal by a monorail.

Serirat said the company also planned to develop commercial areas on its land near the airport, in partnership with the private sector.

Regarding Don Mueang Airport, six projects will be offered to the private sector: a landing-gear maintenance centre, an aircraft-parts stock-management centre, small and medium-sized maintenance centres, an international free-trade zone, a flight-simulator centre and jet and air taxi terminals.

"All the projects will be funded by private firms, and some companies are being approached," said Serirat.

AOT also unveiled a five-year plan for the expansion of Phuket Airport starting from this year, involving construction of a new runway and expansion of the terminal and other facilities and services.

Speaking at a seminar yesterday entitled "The Path to Be a Regional Hub", organised by AOT, Serirat also said the agency would try to assure Suvarnabhumi Airport's status among the world's top 10 airports despite being affected by the forced closure late last year.

[nookiebear]

With a bit of luck the much delayed Skytrain extension should be operating by then.............