BANGKOK SUVARNABHUMI
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Its a bit confusing that there is more than one thread on this subject. Perhaps the moderators could put them together. I posted this an hour or so ago on the Airlines, Airports and routes forum.
This is a photograph of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport taken on July 26, 2006 a few weeks before the airport officially opened.
Now, I’m not a civil engineer but it seems to me that even if the level of the airport itself had been raised by 10 – 15 feet (a major landfill operation in anyone’s terms) the lowest part of the of the runway and taxiway foundations (assuming that the hardcore, impacted foundation material and runway sub-structure and top surface was at least 10 feet thick) would have been very close to the water table as you can see. Subsidence would seem inevitable.
There has been much comment, locally and elsewhere, that the airport was rushed into service and opened too early. That related to the terminal buildings and has nothing to do with the runways and taxiways that were already completed. No amount of work (other than a complete rebuild) over an extended period of time until the airport was deemed to be ‘ready’ would change that.
I accept that there are airports around the world that have been built either on or very close to water. London City or the new Hong Kong (even the old Hong Kong) are examples. But look at that photo. Suvarnabhumi has just been laid down on top of an existing swamp! There is no solid substructure (like Hong Kong which began as 2 islands) or London City which was built above existing piers and jetties that had been there for nearly a century.
The latest in the saga here is that the Director has resigned and a couple of lesser individuals have been sacked. Since it was the Director himself who categorically stated that the airport would never close, does that clear the way for closure for real? Interesting.
Keeping Suvarnabhumi open whilst there are severe doubts as to it’s safety will do Thailand absolutely no good at all particularly with the tourist industry reeling from a combination of negative events such as the coup, bombs in Bangkok, the insurgency in the south etc etc.
Re-opening Don Muang for international flights and adding U-Taphao to ease the strain makes very good sense. This will allow the Thais to shut Suvarnabhumi down and set about sorting out Suvarnabhumi once and for all thus creating the prestige international gateway it should have been from the outset.
This is a photograph of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport taken on July 26, 2006 a few weeks before the airport officially opened.
Now, I’m not a civil engineer but it seems to me that even if the level of the airport itself had been raised by 10 – 15 feet (a major landfill operation in anyone’s terms) the lowest part of the of the runway and taxiway foundations (assuming that the hardcore, impacted foundation material and runway sub-structure and top surface was at least 10 feet thick) would have been very close to the water table as you can see. Subsidence would seem inevitable.
There has been much comment, locally and elsewhere, that the airport was rushed into service and opened too early. That related to the terminal buildings and has nothing to do with the runways and taxiways that were already completed. No amount of work (other than a complete rebuild) over an extended period of time until the airport was deemed to be ‘ready’ would change that.
I accept that there are airports around the world that have been built either on or very close to water. London City or the new Hong Kong (even the old Hong Kong) are examples. But look at that photo. Suvarnabhumi has just been laid down on top of an existing swamp! There is no solid substructure (like Hong Kong which began as 2 islands) or London City which was built above existing piers and jetties that had been there for nearly a century.
The latest in the saga here is that the Director has resigned and a couple of lesser individuals have been sacked. Since it was the Director himself who categorically stated that the airport would never close, does that clear the way for closure for real? Interesting.
Keeping Suvarnabhumi open whilst there are severe doubts as to it’s safety will do Thailand absolutely no good at all particularly with the tourist industry reeling from a combination of negative events such as the coup, bombs in Bangkok, the insurgency in the south etc etc.
Re-opening Don Muang for international flights and adding U-Taphao to ease the strain makes very good sense. This will allow the Thais to shut Suvarnabhumi down and set about sorting out Suvarnabhumi once and for all thus creating the prestige international gateway it should have been from the outset.
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The thing about all this is that to anyone who has had anything to do with this project, the whole debacle is no surprise whatsoever.
To put this in context, you should understand something about how this society works. Megaprojects, as they are termed here, are always instigated and carried through by corrupt, but strong politicians, who are the only people with the cojones to bulldoze the things through. When Taksin came to power, the general consensus was, "at least we will now get some things done". It is these people who have one-track minds as far as the backhanders are concerned. They care nothing for the ultimate condition of what they create, because the problem will be fixed (and they will atone for their sins) "sometime in the next life". For what they have done, they will come back as a cockroach anyway, so what do they care? The mistake so many made was to assume that Taksin was somehow different from the rest.
Practically, this means that, once the crooks have taken their slice, they hand the thing over to professionals, who have to clear up the mess and make it work. There is a middle class of Thais who generally, given a system to work, will find a way to operate that can be highly effective. and at that level, the corruption is far less. I am sure that eventually this will happen in this case, but the difference is that this is such a huge project, with serious defects, so much in the international spotlight, and with safety implications for all of us.
P.S. I have lived and worked in Thailand for 15 years.
To put this in context, you should understand something about how this society works. Megaprojects, as they are termed here, are always instigated and carried through by corrupt, but strong politicians, who are the only people with the cojones to bulldoze the things through. When Taksin came to power, the general consensus was, "at least we will now get some things done". It is these people who have one-track minds as far as the backhanders are concerned. They care nothing for the ultimate condition of what they create, because the problem will be fixed (and they will atone for their sins) "sometime in the next life". For what they have done, they will come back as a cockroach anyway, so what do they care? The mistake so many made was to assume that Taksin was somehow different from the rest.
Practically, this means that, once the crooks have taken their slice, they hand the thing over to professionals, who have to clear up the mess and make it work. There is a middle class of Thais who generally, given a system to work, will find a way to operate that can be highly effective. and at that level, the corruption is far less. I am sure that eventually this will happen in this case, but the difference is that this is such a huge project, with serious defects, so much in the international spotlight, and with safety implications for all of us.
P.S. I have lived and worked in Thailand for 15 years.
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This is my first post on these forums, and I'm an IT person, not familiar with the inner workings of the aviation industry. In December, I went to Thailand (have been going for many years) with my family for a holiday. Leaving through Suvarnabhumi was not a great experience. Why? The check in computer system had crashed!!!
I know and understand high availability computer systems. I could not for the life of me understand how such a system could be "unavailable". The poor staff did their very best manually writing out the boarding passes and the flight back to Melbourne was delayed as a result. If computer systems need to be up and stay up 100% of the time, it can be done. That it was not reflects poorly on those responsible for the system.
It appears that it's not only the runways, taxiways and buildings which are substandard, but their IT systems as well.
I know and understand high availability computer systems. I could not for the life of me understand how such a system could be "unavailable". The poor staff did their very best manually writing out the boarding passes and the flight back to Melbourne was delayed as a result. If computer systems need to be up and stay up 100% of the time, it can be done. That it was not reflects poorly on those responsible for the system.
It appears that it's not only the runways, taxiways and buildings which are substandard, but their IT systems as well.
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It's the airbridges now
From the Bangkok Post today
More problems at new airport
Passenger boarding bridges need repairs
Workers make repairs to the damaged passenger boarding bridge at Gate D5 at Suvarnabhumi airport.
AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK
Suvarnabhumi airport has another flaw _ 11 passenger boarding bridges are damaged, two of them seriously, according to a source at Airports of Thailand (AoT).
Officials are looking into the cause of the problem, but cannot yet say whether it is due to substandard steel, improper installation of the airbridges or the failure of staff of Thai Airports Ground Services Co (Tags) to operate the moveable bridges properly.
Two boarding bridges were seriously damaged and the others would need minor repairs, the source said.
The bridges at gates D5 and F1 must be closed due to the serious nature of the damage and their walls must be replaced. The bridges at gates G5, G3, F5, D6, C7 and B4 are slightly damaged but still usable.
Suvarnabhumi has 51 gates and 105 passenger boarding bridges. The bridges were built by ITO Joint Venture, which is the airport contractor, and AoT contracts Tags to operate them.
The AoT had informed ITO and the company promised to repair them in a week, the source said.
An ITO source said operators compounded the damage as they continued to use the airbridges despite problems with the moveable mechanisms.
The ITO source insisted the steel used to build the airbridges met specifications and could withstand 520 kilogrammes per square metre.
Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um became aware of the problem during his visit to the airport last week and ordered quick repairs to minimise any impact on passengers.
Former Suvarnabhumi airport director Somchai Sawasdeepol attributed the problem to the moveable mechanisms of the boarding bridges' extendable tunnels.
A passenger boarding bridge consists of three extendable and retractable tunnels. The moveable mechanisms, especially the wheels and rails, might have been packed too tightly and operating them might have cracked the bridges, especially the middle tunnel. Those cracks finally rust due to oxidation.
According to the source, AoT informed ITO of the problem late in December and officially asked the company to repair the bridges on Jan 22.
ITO proposed checking all passenger boarding bridges and to later check them every three to six months to ensure their smooth operation.
Apart from problems with the passenger boarding bridges, the four-month-old Suvarnabhumi airport has cracked runways as well as cracked and uneven taxiways.
The premature damage will probably result in some domestic flights being moved back to Don Muang airport. The Transport Ministry's recommendation will be tabled for cabinet approval tomorrow.
From the Bangkok Post today
More problems at new airport
Passenger boarding bridges need repairs
Workers make repairs to the damaged passenger boarding bridge at Gate D5 at Suvarnabhumi airport.
AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK
Suvarnabhumi airport has another flaw _ 11 passenger boarding bridges are damaged, two of them seriously, according to a source at Airports of Thailand (AoT).
Officials are looking into the cause of the problem, but cannot yet say whether it is due to substandard steel, improper installation of the airbridges or the failure of staff of Thai Airports Ground Services Co (Tags) to operate the moveable bridges properly.
Two boarding bridges were seriously damaged and the others would need minor repairs, the source said.
The bridges at gates D5 and F1 must be closed due to the serious nature of the damage and their walls must be replaced. The bridges at gates G5, G3, F5, D6, C7 and B4 are slightly damaged but still usable.
Suvarnabhumi has 51 gates and 105 passenger boarding bridges. The bridges were built by ITO Joint Venture, which is the airport contractor, and AoT contracts Tags to operate them.
The AoT had informed ITO and the company promised to repair them in a week, the source said.
An ITO source said operators compounded the damage as they continued to use the airbridges despite problems with the moveable mechanisms.
The ITO source insisted the steel used to build the airbridges met specifications and could withstand 520 kilogrammes per square metre.
Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um became aware of the problem during his visit to the airport last week and ordered quick repairs to minimise any impact on passengers.
Former Suvarnabhumi airport director Somchai Sawasdeepol attributed the problem to the moveable mechanisms of the boarding bridges' extendable tunnels.
A passenger boarding bridge consists of three extendable and retractable tunnels. The moveable mechanisms, especially the wheels and rails, might have been packed too tightly and operating them might have cracked the bridges, especially the middle tunnel. Those cracks finally rust due to oxidation.
According to the source, AoT informed ITO of the problem late in December and officially asked the company to repair the bridges on Jan 22.
ITO proposed checking all passenger boarding bridges and to later check them every three to six months to ensure their smooth operation.
Apart from problems with the passenger boarding bridges, the four-month-old Suvarnabhumi airport has cracked runways as well as cracked and uneven taxiways.
The premature damage will probably result in some domestic flights being moved back to Don Muang airport. The Transport Ministry's recommendation will be tabled for cabinet approval tomorrow.
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Swampy Doom Airport
It would be great if the moderators could pull all these threads together.
That aerial picture of the airport is terrific and shows clearly why the Swampy Doom airport was sinking before it opened, and is sinking further each day. Here's a post that I wrote here on a heavy traffic Thai forum, but it was pulled by the moderators as it was too contentious. I don't blame the self censoring as truth is not a valuable commodity in Thailand, but here it is for the international pilot community who might be interested in finding out why the new airport is built of canvas and glass effectively turning it into the worlds largest greenhouse.
Something I've noticed completely missing from any reports in the English Language press is the complete lack of accountability. So many pigs had their noses in the troughs that maybe the actual faces are hard to recollect? People wring their hands in dismay and yet there is no discussion of who lined their pockets at the expense of the Thai people and the country's reputation. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh authorised the use of land at Nong Ngu Hao as it was then called and began to fill in the land during his government of. But that is correlation which is not corroboration right? Or is the biggest problem that the airport was built on a swamp and sinks a little each time a plane lands? Surely not?
I guess King Power have being fingered for having too much retail space for their contract, and the owners/stakeholders should be held accountable. We could make a start with Susan Valerie Whelan the Group Deputy Managing Director, she looks very proud of herself doesn't she and she couldn't be the same Susan Valerie Whelan who garnered 759 votes for the liberal democrat party for Bingley in England in and then went on to disappear without trace? I don't know. But real politicians tend to be very active in the community and get written about more than once?
We do know that the Chicago firm of Murphy Jahn are the architects. Helmut Jahn the chief architect had a shaky start to his career when the roof of his first major project Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri collapsed in 1979. I understand that from a design point of view the new airport is wrong as glass and canvas were inappropriate for a tropical climate. That's an elementary error and they should be held accountable for their actions. I've sent an email already and will keep you updated.
In the mean time from the Murphy Jahn website does say this and I don't think I recognise the description, perhaps they should do the decent thing and remove the dream........
The New Bangkok International Airport will be constructed on a vacant site outside of Bangkok. It will be constructed incrementally. The first phase will have approximately 50 gates and 500,000 SM of terminal facilities.
Based upon the master plan and preliminary schematic design documents that have been already prepared, this concept emphasizes passenger circulation over aircraft circulation. Although the curbfront area is not capable of providing for the ultimate capacity of the site, leading to two separate entrances, it is the most compact terminal of those that we studied.
A large roof trellis structure placed over the complex of functionally separate buildings unifies the site and provides an overriding consistent architectural image. Sized to accommodate future growth, the trellis provides an important functional advantage as well as an architectural one. With louvers positioned to shade the structures below from direct sunlight, mechanical loads are reduced.
The buildings under the trellis take their architectural form from the function that they serve. The ticketing area is rectangular with its structure suspended from the trellis above. At the intersection of the tubular concourses are cylindrical rotundas, their skylit roof structure suspended from and shaded by the trellis above.
Outdoor spaces between the buildings are also shaded by the roof trellis and are important to the overall concept. Rather than empty areas reserved for future expansion, they become outdoor landscaped courtyards useful for pedestrians and a visual amenity for the passengers.
Cultural artifacts and traditional architectural elements would be placed within these landscaped courtyards, linking the terminal complex to the cultural traditions of Thailand. A new Sala covering a replica of the "Lord Buddha's footprint" from the temple complex currently on the airport site is one such possibility.
That aerial picture of the airport is terrific and shows clearly why the Swampy Doom airport was sinking before it opened, and is sinking further each day. Here's a post that I wrote here on a heavy traffic Thai forum, but it was pulled by the moderators as it was too contentious. I don't blame the self censoring as truth is not a valuable commodity in Thailand, but here it is for the international pilot community who might be interested in finding out why the new airport is built of canvas and glass effectively turning it into the worlds largest greenhouse.
Something I've noticed completely missing from any reports in the English Language press is the complete lack of accountability. So many pigs had their noses in the troughs that maybe the actual faces are hard to recollect? People wring their hands in dismay and yet there is no discussion of who lined their pockets at the expense of the Thai people and the country's reputation. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh authorised the use of land at Nong Ngu Hao as it was then called and began to fill in the land during his government of. But that is correlation which is not corroboration right? Or is the biggest problem that the airport was built on a swamp and sinks a little each time a plane lands? Surely not?
I guess King Power have being fingered for having too much retail space for their contract, and the owners/stakeholders should be held accountable. We could make a start with Susan Valerie Whelan the Group Deputy Managing Director, she looks very proud of herself doesn't she and she couldn't be the same Susan Valerie Whelan who garnered 759 votes for the liberal democrat party for Bingley in England in and then went on to disappear without trace? I don't know. But real politicians tend to be very active in the community and get written about more than once?
We do know that the Chicago firm of Murphy Jahn are the architects. Helmut Jahn the chief architect had a shaky start to his career when the roof of his first major project Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri collapsed in 1979. I understand that from a design point of view the new airport is wrong as glass and canvas were inappropriate for a tropical climate. That's an elementary error and they should be held accountable for their actions. I've sent an email already and will keep you updated.
In the mean time from the Murphy Jahn website does say this and I don't think I recognise the description, perhaps they should do the decent thing and remove the dream........
The New Bangkok International Airport will be constructed on a vacant site outside of Bangkok. It will be constructed incrementally. The first phase will have approximately 50 gates and 500,000 SM of terminal facilities.
Based upon the master plan and preliminary schematic design documents that have been already prepared, this concept emphasizes passenger circulation over aircraft circulation. Although the curbfront area is not capable of providing for the ultimate capacity of the site, leading to two separate entrances, it is the most compact terminal of those that we studied.
A large roof trellis structure placed over the complex of functionally separate buildings unifies the site and provides an overriding consistent architectural image. Sized to accommodate future growth, the trellis provides an important functional advantage as well as an architectural one. With louvers positioned to shade the structures below from direct sunlight, mechanical loads are reduced.
The buildings under the trellis take their architectural form from the function that they serve. The ticketing area is rectangular with its structure suspended from the trellis above. At the intersection of the tubular concourses are cylindrical rotundas, their skylit roof structure suspended from and shaded by the trellis above.
Outdoor spaces between the buildings are also shaded by the roof trellis and are important to the overall concept. Rather than empty areas reserved for future expansion, they become outdoor landscaped courtyards useful for pedestrians and a visual amenity for the passengers.
Cultural artifacts and traditional architectural elements would be placed within these landscaped courtyards, linking the terminal complex to the cultural traditions of Thailand. A new Sala covering a replica of the "Lord Buddha's footprint" from the temple complex currently on the airport site is one such possibility.
Fudge66
I could not for the life of me understand how such a system could be "unavailable".
. If computer systems need to be up and stay up 100% of the time, it can be done. That it was not reflects poorly on those responsible for the system.
It appears that it's not only the runways, taxiways and buildings which are substandard, but their IT systems as well.
Departure Control Systems (Check-In, Weight & Balance etc) are the responsibility of the individual airline and they'll generally buy in from a hosting provider - Amadeus, Sabre, LH Systems, SITA.
They'll offer a SLA of 98% and typically deliver 99.x%. Even with 99.99% availability, you're still looking at around 45 minutes a month downtime...
Add to this the complexity created by communication layers - WAN, LAN, CUTE etc which may or may not be the responsibility of the airport and/or airline and you can imagine that 99.x% at rthe desktop isn't too foul
I could not for the life of me understand how such a system could be "unavailable".
. If computer systems need to be up and stay up 100% of the time, it can be done. That it was not reflects poorly on those responsible for the system.
It appears that it's not only the runways, taxiways and buildings which are substandard, but their IT systems as well.
Departure Control Systems (Check-In, Weight & Balance etc) are the responsibility of the individual airline and they'll generally buy in from a hosting provider - Amadeus, Sabre, LH Systems, SITA.
They'll offer a SLA of 98% and typically deliver 99.x%. Even with 99.99% availability, you're still looking at around 45 minutes a month downtime...
Add to this the complexity created by communication layers - WAN, LAN, CUTE etc which may or may not be the responsibility of the airport and/or airline and you can imagine that 99.x% at rthe desktop isn't too foul
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After all the razzamataz and claims of being Asia's number one hub BKK is now going to be a two airport city.
Bangkok will now have two international airports; Suvannabhumi and Don Muang, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said Tuesday.
(BangkokPost.com, Agencies)
The cabinet on Tuesday approved the plan for two international airports in Bangkok, giving second life to the 93-year-old airport at Don Muang which was closed last year, supposedly forever, to make way for modern, expensive, but profoundly damaged Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said the decision was made due to the problems at Suvarnabhumi. The $3.7 billion facility already needs massive repairs to taxiways and runways. It has a leaking roof, unattractive terminal, lack of signboards and toilets, poor lighting and faulty air-conditioning.
Most spectacularly, it is too small to serve Bangkok for much longer.
"The number of passengers is also increasing at the Suvarnabhumi Airport. So we feel there is a need to have two international airports... We will make a final decision in two weeks' time," he told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.
The government had first suggested that domestic flights without international connections operate from Don Muang, but many airlines feared that lack of a transport link between the two airports could cause inconvenience for overseas-bound passengers flying in from the provinces.
Transport Minister Thira Haocharoen said the airport could be used within 45 days after a final decision was made, adding that renovation works were going on to re-open the Don Muang Airport which used to be an airfield for the Royal Thai Army and opened in 1914.
Bangkok will now have two international airports; Suvannabhumi and Don Muang, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said Tuesday.
(BangkokPost.com, Agencies)
The cabinet on Tuesday approved the plan for two international airports in Bangkok, giving second life to the 93-year-old airport at Don Muang which was closed last year, supposedly forever, to make way for modern, expensive, but profoundly damaged Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said the decision was made due to the problems at Suvarnabhumi. The $3.7 billion facility already needs massive repairs to taxiways and runways. It has a leaking roof, unattractive terminal, lack of signboards and toilets, poor lighting and faulty air-conditioning.
Most spectacularly, it is too small to serve Bangkok for much longer.
"The number of passengers is also increasing at the Suvarnabhumi Airport. So we feel there is a need to have two international airports... We will make a final decision in two weeks' time," he told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.
The government had first suggested that domestic flights without international connections operate from Don Muang, but many airlines feared that lack of a transport link between the two airports could cause inconvenience for overseas-bound passengers flying in from the provinces.
Transport Minister Thira Haocharoen said the airport could be used within 45 days after a final decision was made, adding that renovation works were going on to re-open the Don Muang Airport which used to be an airfield for the Royal Thai Army and opened in 1914.
Last edited by Ye Olde Pilot; 6th Feb 2007 at 11:49. Reason: update
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It gets worse by the day.
With the new BKK falling apart and the old BKK stripped of ATC and baggage handling equipment there is little chance of Don Muang re-opening in the next month and Singapore and KL look like picking up the mess.
It is as cheap if not cheaper to fly in to most of Thailand from both of these real international airports as Bangkok bound flights endure the mess
that is unfolding here.
Agence France Presse
The Thai Airways Union warned Friday its 14,000members would launch protests if the government does not back down on a plan to re-open Don Muang airport.
The labour union of Thai Airways said it believes the splitting of air traffic between the old Don Muang and the new Suvarnabhumi Airport could cost Thailand its bid to become Southeast Asia's most important hub.
Union boss Somsak Srinual said he would submit a letter to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont next week to urge the army-backed government to keep Suvarnabhumi Airport as Bangkok's only international airport.
Meanwhile:
No need to close airport: director
Only a small portion of Suvarnabhumi airport need be closed for repairs and maintenance, leaving most areas operable as normal, said Narongchai Thanadchangsaeng, deputy director of the airport.
Mr Narongchai's comment followed the suggestion by Adm Bannawit Kengrian, head of the National Legislative Assembly's committee investigating Suvarnabhumi airport problems, that the airport be closed temporarily for repairs following reports of runway and taxiway cracks.
The committee chairman said only about five or six per cent of the entire three-million-square-metre space of the airport will be closed for repairs while all other areas will open as normal.
Such partial repairs are commonplace at other international airports worldwide, the deputy Suvarnabhumi airport director commented.
(bit like the roads and pavements in downtown BKK
)
Workers employed to repair a portion of the airport will be kept removed from the passenger terminals while airport security measures will be thoroughly enforced to assure safety for passengers as repair and maintenance work proceeds, Mr Narongchai said.
Meanwhile, an Airport of Thailand's committee headed by Tortrakul Yommanak and currently investigating the runway cracks is scheduled to give a press conference on progress in the probe on Monday. (TNA)
With the new BKK falling apart and the old BKK stripped of ATC and baggage handling equipment there is little chance of Don Muang re-opening in the next month and Singapore and KL look like picking up the mess.
It is as cheap if not cheaper to fly in to most of Thailand from both of these real international airports as Bangkok bound flights endure the mess
that is unfolding here.
Agence France Presse
The Thai Airways Union warned Friday its 14,000members would launch protests if the government does not back down on a plan to re-open Don Muang airport.
The labour union of Thai Airways said it believes the splitting of air traffic between the old Don Muang and the new Suvarnabhumi Airport could cost Thailand its bid to become Southeast Asia's most important hub.
Union boss Somsak Srinual said he would submit a letter to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont next week to urge the army-backed government to keep Suvarnabhumi Airport as Bangkok's only international airport.
Meanwhile:
No need to close airport: director
Only a small portion of Suvarnabhumi airport need be closed for repairs and maintenance, leaving most areas operable as normal, said Narongchai Thanadchangsaeng, deputy director of the airport.
Mr Narongchai's comment followed the suggestion by Adm Bannawit Kengrian, head of the National Legislative Assembly's committee investigating Suvarnabhumi airport problems, that the airport be closed temporarily for repairs following reports of runway and taxiway cracks.
The committee chairman said only about five or six per cent of the entire three-million-square-metre space of the airport will be closed for repairs while all other areas will open as normal.
Such partial repairs are commonplace at other international airports worldwide, the deputy Suvarnabhumi airport director commented.
(bit like the roads and pavements in downtown BKK
)Workers employed to repair a portion of the airport will be kept removed from the passenger terminals while airport security measures will be thoroughly enforced to assure safety for passengers as repair and maintenance work proceeds, Mr Narongchai said.
Meanwhile, an Airport of Thailand's committee headed by Tortrakul Yommanak and currently investigating the runway cracks is scheduled to give a press conference on progress in the probe on Monday. (TNA)
Last edited by Ye Olde Pilot; 14th Feb 2007 at 06:48. Reason: remove wrong picture
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Could it come to this?
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007...s_30026600.php
From the Nation today:
AIRPORT FIASCO
Govt urged to close Suvarnabhumi
NLA investigation chief cites safety fears in calling for a total and immediate shift back to Don Muang
The fate of the Bt150-billion Suvarnabhumi Airport hangs in the balance as an investigation panel is due to reveal the cause of damage to the taxiways and runways at the landmark transport hub.
The government appears to be divided about whether the airport should be closed for repairs, amid fears that such a move could shake international confidence in the Kingdom's infrastructure.
Admiral Bannawit Keng-rien, chairman of the National Legislative Assem-bly's airport committee, yesterday stood by his suggestion that the airport should be closed if both runways were damaged.
"The closure would be for the sake of safety," Bannawit said.
His committee was established to tackle the problems surrounding the flagship airport, which only opened in late September.
Bannawit maintained his suggestion despite Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont's insistence that the airport should remain open so as not to damage international confidence.
It could stay open while repairs are completed, the premier said on Saturday.
A panel headed by Tortrakul Yomnark will today reveal the problems faced by the airport, how the repairs should be conducted and whether closure is necessary.
A civil engineer by trade, Tortrakul is a board member of the Airports of Thailand and his panel has conducted a technical assessment of the runways.
Tortrakul's panel will report its investigation results to Transport Minister Admiral Theera Haocharoen before making the findings public.
A source said the Tortrakul panel had found serious cracks on the taxiways, with further damage on the northern part of the east runway and the southern end of the western landing strip.
The insider said the runway repairs could be made without disrupting flight schedules.
"Services can alternate between the two runways," the source said.
Krai Tungsnga, a member of the Bannawit panel, said the airport's problems were not serious enough to force it to close. However, Bannawit said yesterday that if Suvarnabhumi were closed, Don Muang would be able to accommodate flight and airfreight services.
"I propose closure because it will prevent problems from dragging on," he said.
Meanwhile, Thai Airways International's union has condemned plans to allow Bangkok to have two international airports. And Demo-crat Party's spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon urged the government to set up another committee to investigate Suvarnabhumi's problems.
"A committee of experts should look at all problems, not just the taxiways and runaways. What about the water leakage, inadequate lighting and overheating in the terminal?" Ong-art asked. He said the government should act against those responsible for the airport's problems.
Unquote...
From the Nation today:
AIRPORT FIASCO
Govt urged to close Suvarnabhumi
NLA investigation chief cites safety fears in calling for a total and immediate shift back to Don Muang
The fate of the Bt150-billion Suvarnabhumi Airport hangs in the balance as an investigation panel is due to reveal the cause of damage to the taxiways and runways at the landmark transport hub.
The government appears to be divided about whether the airport should be closed for repairs, amid fears that such a move could shake international confidence in the Kingdom's infrastructure.
Admiral Bannawit Keng-rien, chairman of the National Legislative Assem-bly's airport committee, yesterday stood by his suggestion that the airport should be closed if both runways were damaged.
"The closure would be for the sake of safety," Bannawit said.
His committee was established to tackle the problems surrounding the flagship airport, which only opened in late September.
Bannawit maintained his suggestion despite Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont's insistence that the airport should remain open so as not to damage international confidence.
It could stay open while repairs are completed, the premier said on Saturday.
A panel headed by Tortrakul Yomnark will today reveal the problems faced by the airport, how the repairs should be conducted and whether closure is necessary.
A civil engineer by trade, Tortrakul is a board member of the Airports of Thailand and his panel has conducted a technical assessment of the runways.
Tortrakul's panel will report its investigation results to Transport Minister Admiral Theera Haocharoen before making the findings public.
A source said the Tortrakul panel had found serious cracks on the taxiways, with further damage on the northern part of the east runway and the southern end of the western landing strip.
The insider said the runway repairs could be made without disrupting flight schedules.
"Services can alternate between the two runways," the source said.
Krai Tungsnga, a member of the Bannawit panel, said the airport's problems were not serious enough to force it to close. However, Bannawit said yesterday that if Suvarnabhumi were closed, Don Muang would be able to accommodate flight and airfreight services.
"I propose closure because it will prevent problems from dragging on," he said.
Meanwhile, Thai Airways International's union has condemned plans to allow Bangkok to have two international airports. And Demo-crat Party's spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon urged the government to set up another committee to investigate Suvarnabhumi's problems.
"A committee of experts should look at all problems, not just the taxiways and runaways. What about the water leakage, inadequate lighting and overheating in the terminal?" Ong-art asked. He said the government should act against those responsible for the airport's problems.
Unquote...
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Confusion reigns here as the debate goes on over the condition of the runways and taxiways at the new airport. Some officials claim the repairs can be done in a few days or a month! The airlines don't want to return to Don Muang for sure.
Frrom the Bangkok Post
Star backs THAI stand on airport
Alliance says two sites too costly
BOONSONG KOSITCHOTETHANA
Carriers under the Star Alliance, one of the world's largest airline groups, are backing Thai Airways International in its contention that Suvarnabhumi should be Bangkok's only international airport. The nine Star airlines that operate flights through Bangkok's troubled new airport are collectively expected to make a formal announcement confirming their stance within two days, according to industry insiders.
The nine are ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Thai Airways, Lufthansa, SAS, Swiss, Singapore Airlines and United. They operate 1,092 departures a week, providing nearly half the passenger seats through Suvarnabhumi.
Air India and Turkish Airlines, which also operate through the new airport and are due to join the alliance, also favour the ''under one roof'' strategy.
Star will become the first major international airline group to take an official stand in the debate surrounding the proposed reopening of Don Muang airport for international services.
The initial response from many international carriers was a preference to stay at Suvarnabhumi until the government made clear its policy, which had left them confused and frustrated.
And from the Nation
Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen will tomorrow meet airline officials to discuss the plan to reopen Don Muang airport for use as an international and domestic airport.
"We're not going to close Suvarnabhumi as repairs to the runway can be carried out while the airport is in service," he said at Government House after a meeting with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont ahead of the Cabinet meeting. "Suvarnabhumi will not be closed. We have invested a huge amount in the airport and we need to maximise its benefits," he reiterated.
Airlines can make their own choice as to whether to move operations to Don Muang, he said. "As far as I know, not many airlines are going to move back as they have already poured in substantial investment at the new airport," Theera said.
Frrom the Bangkok Post
Star backs THAI stand on airport
Alliance says two sites too costly
BOONSONG KOSITCHOTETHANA
Carriers under the Star Alliance, one of the world's largest airline groups, are backing Thai Airways International in its contention that Suvarnabhumi should be Bangkok's only international airport. The nine Star airlines that operate flights through Bangkok's troubled new airport are collectively expected to make a formal announcement confirming their stance within two days, according to industry insiders.
The nine are ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Thai Airways, Lufthansa, SAS, Swiss, Singapore Airlines and United. They operate 1,092 departures a week, providing nearly half the passenger seats through Suvarnabhumi.
Air India and Turkish Airlines, which also operate through the new airport and are due to join the alliance, also favour the ''under one roof'' strategy.
Star will become the first major international airline group to take an official stand in the debate surrounding the proposed reopening of Don Muang airport for international services.
The initial response from many international carriers was a preference to stay at Suvarnabhumi until the government made clear its policy, which had left them confused and frustrated.
And from the Nation
Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen will tomorrow meet airline officials to discuss the plan to reopen Don Muang airport for use as an international and domestic airport.
"We're not going to close Suvarnabhumi as repairs to the runway can be carried out while the airport is in service," he said at Government House after a meeting with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont ahead of the Cabinet meeting. "Suvarnabhumi will not be closed. We have invested a huge amount in the airport and we need to maximise its benefits," he reiterated.
Airlines can make their own choice as to whether to move operations to Don Muang, he said. "As far as I know, not many airlines are going to move back as they have already poured in substantial investment at the new airport," Theera said.
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Heard on the radio on my way to work this morning that the engineering report has been made public and is generally critical of the undue haste with which the airport was opened. This includes the runways and taxiways where sub-standard materials were used and corners cut to save time. One runway is to be closed for repairs and will remain closed 'for as long as it takes' to complete.
With regard to the terminal building, work will begin to bring that up to standard. This includes work on the emergency exits (I hadn't heard about that before).
It seems that they are detirmined not to close the airport competely although they still seem to be keeping their options open with regard to re-opening Don Muang.
With regard to the terminal building, work will begin to bring that up to standard. This includes work on the emergency exits (I hadn't heard about that before).
It seems that they are detirmined not to close the airport competely although they still seem to be keeping their options open with regard to re-opening Don Muang.
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Confusion abounds...
There have been two developments recently. The first is that the airlines collectively have opposed the reopening of Don Muang, which is summed up in this article in the Nation today and will likely mean it is impractical to reopen it:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007...s_30027004.php
The transcript of which is as follows:
Don Muang unlikely to reopen after airline snub
Don Muang Airport may not be reopened as fewer-than-expected airlines have shown any intention of moving their operations back to the old airport, said an executive of Airports of Thailand (AOT).
Pinit Saraithong, Don Muang director, said that only three airlines - Nok Air, Thai AirAsia and One-Two-Go - were interested in moving to Don Muang. The number of flights these airlines operate only accounts for a tiny proportion at the new Suvarnabhumi Airport.
"How could we survive with such a small number of clients?" he said after the meeting with over 60 airlines yesterday.
Due to the opening of Suvarnabhumi in September, AOT has suffered from higher operating costs. Its net profit for the October-December period dropped sharply to Bt1.36 billion from Bt3.30 billion a year earlier.
AOT had earlier expected at least 30 per cent of flights from Suvarnabhumi would be moved to Don Muang. But the three airlines operate about 300 flights per week - or less than 10 per cent of traffic at Suvarnabhumi.
Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen said after the meeting that the issue would be finalised by a panel chaired by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, which will hold a meeting today.
At the meeting, over 60 airlines including Thai Airways Interna-tional (THAI) insisted that they would not move.
Sopin Daengteth, chairman of the Airline Operators Committee, said: "International airlines won't return to Don Muang, even though the old airport would be reopened for international flights."
Taxiways and runways at Suvarnabhumi could be fixed while airlines operate as usual.
Brian Sinclair-Thomson, president of the Board of Airline Representatives in Thailand, revealed that international airlines disagreed with the idea of having two international airports in Bangkok. He said all supported the single-airport concept, which should ensure Thailand's status as an aviation hub.
Star Alliance, the gathering of nine leading airlines including THAI and Lufthansa, are among those who will stay at the new airport.
"We fully endorse the policy of our home carrier and founding member THAI to retain its hub of operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport," said Jaan Albrecht, Star Alliance chief executive officer, summarising the position of the Star Alliance Thailand Country Steering Council.
"By moving together under one roof at the new Suvarnabhumi, Star Alliance carriers have signalled their joint intention to offer fast and comfortable connections and services in safe, modern and passenger-pleasing facilities."
THAI President Apinan Sumanaseni said the group's decision would strengthen the regional hub position with the support of the alliance. Under the 'Move under one Roof' concept that is rolled out around the world, members can provide airport services such as check-in and lounges from the same terminal.
Star Alliance members include ANA, Austrian, Asiana Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SWISS and United. Together in Bangkok, they operate 1,000 flights per week which represent 47.2 percent of all international seats.
Committed to moving to Don Muang are only One-Two-Go and Nok Air. However, when it starts its Bangkok-India route in the second quarter, Nok Air will operate the international flight from Suvarnabhumi, according to its CEO Patee Sarasin.
While the AOT proposed the reopening for domestic flights only, the Cabinet later approved the old airport for both domestic and international flights. They reasoned it would reduce traffic at Suvarnabhumi, paving the way for repairs of the west runway and taxiways.
Even Thai AirAsia is reluctant to go to Don Muang if it is reopened for domestic flights only. The airline operates 80 flights per day and most of the passengers are from overseas. The airline plans to expand its international network to the Philippines, Vietnam, Southern China and India.
CEO Tasapon Beijleveldsaid: "We are standing by our proposal from the beginning. We want to operate both domestic and international routes at one airport, which could be at Suvarnabhumi or Don Muang."
Chalongbhop Sussangkarn, president of the Thailand Research Department Institute, said he raised three questions at the meeting yesterday to ask the participants if airlines should move to Don Muang.
"First, whether the runway repairs at Suvarnabhumi would affect the existing flights. If there is no effect, there is no need for relocation. Second, if the existing flights are affected, how many flights should be reduced. Third, whether only domestic flights or both domestic and foreign flights should be relocated," he said.
"In answering these questions, we need to take into account effects on airlines, passengers and public confidence. Then, there should be a long-term direction on how the government is to make use of two airports."
There was no data available to answer these questions at the meeting, he concluded.
Suchat Sritama,
Watcharapong Thongrung
The Nation
Unquote
The second thing is that I hear unofficially that the conclusion of the "experts" is that the damage to the main runways at Suvarnabhumi is not sufficient to warrant complete reconstruction, although the same cannot be said of the taxiways, which will require substantial relaying. There are some safety-related issues concerning the main terminal building, notably the substandard lighting control systems, that are apparently not built to handle tropical temperatures. There are also, allegedly, some other details in the report prepared for the government that are being withheld, because they relate to safety issues and might alarm the public .
The bottom line is that the most likely outcome of this fiasco is now that we are stuck with making do with Suvarnabhumi only, warts and all, while they make repairs and that there will inevitably be disruption and risks while this is done.
The only thing that could change this now is if the government meeting today decides to impose the two airport plan, over the objections of the airlines. Stranger things have happened - remember this is not a democracy!
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007...s_30027004.php
The transcript of which is as follows:
Don Muang unlikely to reopen after airline snub
Don Muang Airport may not be reopened as fewer-than-expected airlines have shown any intention of moving their operations back to the old airport, said an executive of Airports of Thailand (AOT).
Pinit Saraithong, Don Muang director, said that only three airlines - Nok Air, Thai AirAsia and One-Two-Go - were interested in moving to Don Muang. The number of flights these airlines operate only accounts for a tiny proportion at the new Suvarnabhumi Airport.
"How could we survive with such a small number of clients?" he said after the meeting with over 60 airlines yesterday.
Due to the opening of Suvarnabhumi in September, AOT has suffered from higher operating costs. Its net profit for the October-December period dropped sharply to Bt1.36 billion from Bt3.30 billion a year earlier.
AOT had earlier expected at least 30 per cent of flights from Suvarnabhumi would be moved to Don Muang. But the three airlines operate about 300 flights per week - or less than 10 per cent of traffic at Suvarnabhumi.
Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen said after the meeting that the issue would be finalised by a panel chaired by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, which will hold a meeting today.
At the meeting, over 60 airlines including Thai Airways Interna-tional (THAI) insisted that they would not move.
Sopin Daengteth, chairman of the Airline Operators Committee, said: "International airlines won't return to Don Muang, even though the old airport would be reopened for international flights."
Taxiways and runways at Suvarnabhumi could be fixed while airlines operate as usual.
Brian Sinclair-Thomson, president of the Board of Airline Representatives in Thailand, revealed that international airlines disagreed with the idea of having two international airports in Bangkok. He said all supported the single-airport concept, which should ensure Thailand's status as an aviation hub.
Star Alliance, the gathering of nine leading airlines including THAI and Lufthansa, are among those who will stay at the new airport.
"We fully endorse the policy of our home carrier and founding member THAI to retain its hub of operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport," said Jaan Albrecht, Star Alliance chief executive officer, summarising the position of the Star Alliance Thailand Country Steering Council.
"By moving together under one roof at the new Suvarnabhumi, Star Alliance carriers have signalled their joint intention to offer fast and comfortable connections and services in safe, modern and passenger-pleasing facilities."
THAI President Apinan Sumanaseni said the group's decision would strengthen the regional hub position with the support of the alliance. Under the 'Move under one Roof' concept that is rolled out around the world, members can provide airport services such as check-in and lounges from the same terminal.
Star Alliance members include ANA, Austrian, Asiana Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SWISS and United. Together in Bangkok, they operate 1,000 flights per week which represent 47.2 percent of all international seats.
Committed to moving to Don Muang are only One-Two-Go and Nok Air. However, when it starts its Bangkok-India route in the second quarter, Nok Air will operate the international flight from Suvarnabhumi, according to its CEO Patee Sarasin.
While the AOT proposed the reopening for domestic flights only, the Cabinet later approved the old airport for both domestic and international flights. They reasoned it would reduce traffic at Suvarnabhumi, paving the way for repairs of the west runway and taxiways.
Even Thai AirAsia is reluctant to go to Don Muang if it is reopened for domestic flights only. The airline operates 80 flights per day and most of the passengers are from overseas. The airline plans to expand its international network to the Philippines, Vietnam, Southern China and India.
CEO Tasapon Beijleveldsaid: "We are standing by our proposal from the beginning. We want to operate both domestic and international routes at one airport, which could be at Suvarnabhumi or Don Muang."
Chalongbhop Sussangkarn, president of the Thailand Research Department Institute, said he raised three questions at the meeting yesterday to ask the participants if airlines should move to Don Muang.
"First, whether the runway repairs at Suvarnabhumi would affect the existing flights. If there is no effect, there is no need for relocation. Second, if the existing flights are affected, how many flights should be reduced. Third, whether only domestic flights or both domestic and foreign flights should be relocated," he said.
"In answering these questions, we need to take into account effects on airlines, passengers and public confidence. Then, there should be a long-term direction on how the government is to make use of two airports."
There was no data available to answer these questions at the meeting, he concluded.
Suchat Sritama,
Watcharapong Thongrung
The Nation
Unquote
The second thing is that I hear unofficially that the conclusion of the "experts" is that the damage to the main runways at Suvarnabhumi is not sufficient to warrant complete reconstruction, although the same cannot be said of the taxiways, which will require substantial relaying. There are some safety-related issues concerning the main terminal building, notably the substandard lighting control systems, that are apparently not built to handle tropical temperatures. There are also, allegedly, some other details in the report prepared for the government that are being withheld, because they relate to safety issues and might alarm the public
. The bottom line is that the most likely outcome of this fiasco is now that we are stuck with making do with Suvarnabhumi only, warts and all, while they make repairs and that there will inevitably be disruption and risks while this is done.
The only thing that could change this now is if the government meeting today decides to impose the two airport plan, over the objections of the airlines. Stranger things have happened - remember this is not a democracy!
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Bangkokeasy,
I wonder how many passengers would prefer Don Muang over Suvarnabhumi though?
Obviously the new airport has issues, but surely there is absolutely no comparison between the two. Give me Suvarnabhumi any day over Don Muang.
I wonder how many passengers would prefer Don Muang over Suvarnabhumi though?
Obviously the new airport has issues, but surely there is absolutely no comparison between the two. Give me Suvarnabhumi any day over Don Muang.
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According to the Prime Minister.....
http://ww.bangkokpost.com/breaking_n....php?id=116846
Don Muang to reopen next month
(BangkokPost.com)
Bangkok's old international airport would be re-opened in the next two to three weeks, said Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on Friday.
"Don Muang airport is being renovated," Gen Surayud told reporters. "It should be ready for domestic and international flights no later than the next two to three weeks."
He added that airlines could decide for themselves whether they wanted to move back to the old airport.
Gen Surayud also confirmed that Suvarnabhumi airport would not be closed for repair as it would be fixed while in operation. However, domestic flights would have to move to Don Muang in the initial stage to free some taxiways and runways at the new airport for fixing.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen confirmed that Don Muang airport would be primarily used for domestic flights since most of the international airlines did not want to move back there.
He expected that there would be about 70 flights a day, or about 17 per cent of all the flights, that would go back to the old airport.
***************
Whatever happens Thailands reputation can only suffer over this fiasco of indecision.... but then again... TIT....This is Thailand
Don Muang to reopen next month
(BangkokPost.com)
Bangkok's old international airport would be re-opened in the next two to three weeks, said Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on Friday.
"Don Muang airport is being renovated," Gen Surayud told reporters. "It should be ready for domestic and international flights no later than the next two to three weeks."
He added that airlines could decide for themselves whether they wanted to move back to the old airport.
Gen Surayud also confirmed that Suvarnabhumi airport would not be closed for repair as it would be fixed while in operation. However, domestic flights would have to move to Don Muang in the initial stage to free some taxiways and runways at the new airport for fixing.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen confirmed that Don Muang airport would be primarily used for domestic flights since most of the international airlines did not want to move back there.
He expected that there would be about 70 flights a day, or about 17 per cent of all the flights, that would go back to the old airport.
***************
Whatever happens Thailands reputation can only suffer over this fiasco of indecision.... but then again... TIT....This is Thailand
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Considering they've just had a coup, I don't think a few traumas with a new airport is going to bother the Thais much. And lets face it, the vast majority of the population will never get the chance to set foot in Don Muang or Suvarnabhumi anyway.
While there is still a low exchange rate, beaches, women and business, Thailand will continue to receive travellers. The fiasco will simply be shrugged off.
While there is still a low exchange rate, beaches, women and business, Thailand will continue to receive travellers. The fiasco will simply be shrugged off.
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It looks like the international airlines have put their collective foot down and made the decision for the junta. 
This from The Nation today:
Don Muang International Airport may not be reopened due to lower-than-expected number of airlines that have shown the intention of moving their operations to the old airport, said an executive of Airports of Thailand.
Pinit Saraithong, Don Maung director, said the old airport may not be reopened as only three airlines are interested in moving to Don Muang. The airlines operate a number of flights which account for a tiny part of the flights operated at Suvarnabhumi.
"How could we survive with the few number of clients," he said.
That on top of this:
(posted in full from the Bangkok Post in case the story disappears!)
Airlines adamant about staying at Suvarnabhumi
(BangkokPost.com from reports)
Representatives of international airlines are meeting today in Bangkok after they threatened to halt flights to Thailand rather than move back to the old Don Muang airport.
Board of Airline Representatives president Brian Sinclair-Thompson, speaking for more than 60 carriers, told the media on Friday night:
"Some members are going to review their commitment to continue their services from Thailand if they are forced to split operations to serve two airports.''
The statement forces a standoff between the airlines who insist on staying at Suvarnabhumi Airport on one hand, and the government which wants to increase flights at Don Muang and repair problem-plagued Suvarnabhumi.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has announced he will personally take over the handling of problems related to Suvarnabhumi.
On March 25, a total of only 71 flights are to begin using Don Muang. They include all flights by budget airlines Nok Air and One Two Go, and a handful of Thai Airways domestic flights
The Murphy Jahn/TAMS/ACT (MJTA) consortium which built Suvarbabhumi claimed on Friday that the new airport's design met with all the requirements of the terms of reference it had signed with Airport of Thailand.
But Wanchai Wimuktayon, managing director of ACT Consultants Co, which is part of the MJTA, also said the design had been modified during construction to cut costs.
The consortium claims to be confident that the new airport is safe enough for all passengers and staff working in the facility, and all airlines agree.
This from The Nation today:
Don Muang International Airport may not be reopened due to lower-than-expected number of airlines that have shown the intention of moving their operations to the old airport, said an executive of Airports of Thailand.
Pinit Saraithong, Don Maung director, said the old airport may not be reopened as only three airlines are interested in moving to Don Muang. The airlines operate a number of flights which account for a tiny part of the flights operated at Suvarnabhumi.
"How could we survive with the few number of clients," he said.
That on top of this:
(posted in full from the Bangkok Post in case the story disappears!)
Airlines adamant about staying at Suvarnabhumi
(BangkokPost.com from reports)
Representatives of international airlines are meeting today in Bangkok after they threatened to halt flights to Thailand rather than move back to the old Don Muang airport.
Board of Airline Representatives president Brian Sinclair-Thompson, speaking for more than 60 carriers, told the media on Friday night:
"Some members are going to review their commitment to continue their services from Thailand if they are forced to split operations to serve two airports.''
The statement forces a standoff between the airlines who insist on staying at Suvarnabhumi Airport on one hand, and the government which wants to increase flights at Don Muang and repair problem-plagued Suvarnabhumi.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has announced he will personally take over the handling of problems related to Suvarnabhumi.
On March 25, a total of only 71 flights are to begin using Don Muang. They include all flights by budget airlines Nok Air and One Two Go, and a handful of Thai Airways domestic flights
The Murphy Jahn/TAMS/ACT (MJTA) consortium which built Suvarbabhumi claimed on Friday that the new airport's design met with all the requirements of the terms of reference it had signed with Airport of Thailand.
But Wanchai Wimuktayon, managing director of ACT Consultants Co, which is part of the MJTA, also said the design had been modified during construction to cut costs.
The consortium claims to be confident that the new airport is safe enough for all passengers and staff working in the facility, and all airlines agree.
Last edited by Ye Olde Pilot; 17th Feb 2007 at 10:34. Reason: spelling mistake
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And so it rumbles on
Airlines threaten to boycott Thailand
BANGKOK: -- International airlines have threatened to stop flights into Thailand if they are forced to move from the new international Suvarnabhumi gateway back to the old Don Muang airport.
Board of Airline Representatives president Brian Sinclair-Thompson, speaking for more than 60 carriers, said last night:
"Some members are going to review their commitment to continue their services from Thailand if they are forced to split operations to serve two airports.''
The threat effectively forced the hand of Thailand's military government, which has been besieged by problems surrounding the new $A7 billion gateway, opened last September as a replacement for the 90-year-old Don Muang facility.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has announced he will personally take over the handling of problems related to Suvarnabhumi after the pull-out threat was made to Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen at a meeting with top foreign airline officials in Bangkok.
Gen Surayud told the Bangkok Post that fixing Suvarnabhumi's problems - including numerous cracks on runways and taxiways as well as design flaws at the main terminal - was now among the top priorities of the interim government.
In addressing the airport's problems, his government would keep in mind that it must protect national interests and ensure passenger safety.
A high-level meeting has been called for today by the committee on operating policies for Suvarnabhumi and Bangkok airports.
Gen Surayud is expected to rubber-stamp the Transport Ministry's recommendations on the future of the two airports after a briefing on conditions at Suvarnabhumi by teams that have examined the problem-plagued airport.
It is now known that 71 flights by only three domestic carriers - Nok Air, One Two Go and some Thai Airways services - will resume from Don Muang on March 25.
The consortium which built Suvarbabhumi claimed yesterday the new airport's design met with all the requirements of the terms of reference it had signed with Airport of Thailand (AOT).
But the Murphy Jahn/TAMS/ACT (MJTA) consortium admitted yesterday the design had been modified during construction to cut costs, and said it was confident that the new airport was safe enough for all passengers and staff working in the facility.
Wanchai Wimuktayon, managing director of ACT Consultants Co, which is part of the MJTA, promised his company would clarify 31 out of 61 construction-related problems in the area of airport design at a press conference to be held on February 21.
He was confident, however, that all the problems could be fixed and the repairs would not require the airport to be completely closed.
--The Australian 2007-02-17
BANGKOK: -- International airlines have threatened to stop flights into Thailand if they are forced to move from the new international Suvarnabhumi gateway back to the old Don Muang airport.
Board of Airline Representatives president Brian Sinclair-Thompson, speaking for more than 60 carriers, said last night:
"Some members are going to review their commitment to continue their services from Thailand if they are forced to split operations to serve two airports.''
The threat effectively forced the hand of Thailand's military government, which has been besieged by problems surrounding the new $A7 billion gateway, opened last September as a replacement for the 90-year-old Don Muang facility.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has announced he will personally take over the handling of problems related to Suvarnabhumi after the pull-out threat was made to Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen at a meeting with top foreign airline officials in Bangkok.
Gen Surayud told the Bangkok Post that fixing Suvarnabhumi's problems - including numerous cracks on runways and taxiways as well as design flaws at the main terminal - was now among the top priorities of the interim government.
In addressing the airport's problems, his government would keep in mind that it must protect national interests and ensure passenger safety.
A high-level meeting has been called for today by the committee on operating policies for Suvarnabhumi and Bangkok airports.
Gen Surayud is expected to rubber-stamp the Transport Ministry's recommendations on the future of the two airports after a briefing on conditions at Suvarnabhumi by teams that have examined the problem-plagued airport.
It is now known that 71 flights by only three domestic carriers - Nok Air, One Two Go and some Thai Airways services - will resume from Don Muang on March 25.
The consortium which built Suvarbabhumi claimed yesterday the new airport's design met with all the requirements of the terms of reference it had signed with Airport of Thailand (AOT).
But the Murphy Jahn/TAMS/ACT (MJTA) consortium admitted yesterday the design had been modified during construction to cut costs, and said it was confident that the new airport was safe enough for all passengers and staff working in the facility.
Wanchai Wimuktayon, managing director of ACT Consultants Co, which is part of the MJTA, promised his company would clarify 31 out of 61 construction-related problems in the area of airport design at a press conference to be held on February 21.
He was confident, however, that all the problems could be fixed and the repairs would not require the airport to be completely closed.
--The Australian 2007-02-17
