February 3rd, 2006, 07:05
"CIVIL AVIATION SWITCHING AIRPORTS
Bangkok Post: AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK
The Transport Ministry has proposed that Don Muang airport continue to serve low-cost carriers, chartered flights and private planes to ease air traffic at Suvarnabhumi. It would also host a maintenance centre for heavy aircraft. Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal has told Airports of Thailand to prepare plans to move part of the traffic at Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi when the new airport becomes operational, scheduled for later this year.
Mr Pongsak said 38 million passengers last year passed through Don Muang airport, which served 276,000 flights. The the committee in charge of Don Muang's day-to-day affairs, headed by Mahidol Changdrangkun, assistant to the transport minister, earlier suggested that the airport's domestic terminal serve low-cost carriers. Mr Mahidol said most low-cost airlines would prefer Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi to cut costs. Only a few would need Suvarnabhumi for connecting flights overseas.
The international terminal number one would serve chartered flights, state and private planes under the proposal.
The second international terminal at Don Muang airport would be leased to the private sector for use as an exhibition centre, a mall for one-tambon-one-product goods or even an export centre.
Four cargo warehouses at Don Muang airport would be converted into aircraft maintenance facilities for civil and air force planes.
Mr Mahidol said his proposal would end confusion over the government's single airport policy. Suvarnabhumi airport would serve commercial domestic and international flights, while Don Muang would be dedicated to the development of aviation services.
During a trial run of passenger processing facilities at Suvarnabhumi airport yesterday, the baggage handling system misdirected 39 of the 3,000 bags run through it. The system will be put to the test again in April, when 10,500 bags will be put through."
Malaysia's Star newspaper had this to say:
"A shuttle bus service will ferry passengers from KLIA to LCAT [low-cost air terminal] and vice-versa. Talks on public transportation from the Kuala Lumpur City Centre to the LCAT are underway.
"There would be 1,100 parking lots and 100 motorcycle parking bays for passengers using their own vehicles. Taxis and bus holding areas have also been designated."
Malaysia may be trying to open the low-cost terminal by its "tentative" March 6 date in order to "beat" Singapore, where the Changi Budget Terminal is scheduled to open March 26. Any bets on which date will be more reliable? (Malaysia denies it's trying to beat Singapore but says it's just ready to open.) stillthrobbing CFS
Bangkok Post: AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK
The Transport Ministry has proposed that Don Muang airport continue to serve low-cost carriers, chartered flights and private planes to ease air traffic at Suvarnabhumi. It would also host a maintenance centre for heavy aircraft. Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal has told Airports of Thailand to prepare plans to move part of the traffic at Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi when the new airport becomes operational, scheduled for later this year.
Mr Pongsak said 38 million passengers last year passed through Don Muang airport, which served 276,000 flights. The the committee in charge of Don Muang's day-to-day affairs, headed by Mahidol Changdrangkun, assistant to the transport minister, earlier suggested that the airport's domestic terminal serve low-cost carriers. Mr Mahidol said most low-cost airlines would prefer Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi to cut costs. Only a few would need Suvarnabhumi for connecting flights overseas.
The international terminal number one would serve chartered flights, state and private planes under the proposal.
The second international terminal at Don Muang airport would be leased to the private sector for use as an exhibition centre, a mall for one-tambon-one-product goods or even an export centre.
Four cargo warehouses at Don Muang airport would be converted into aircraft maintenance facilities for civil and air force planes.
Mr Mahidol said his proposal would end confusion over the government's single airport policy. Suvarnabhumi airport would serve commercial domestic and international flights, while Don Muang would be dedicated to the development of aviation services.
During a trial run of passenger processing facilities at Suvarnabhumi airport yesterday, the baggage handling system misdirected 39 of the 3,000 bags run through it. The system will be put to the test again in April, when 10,500 bags will be put through."
Malaysia's Star newspaper had this to say:
"A shuttle bus service will ferry passengers from KLIA to LCAT [low-cost air terminal] and vice-versa. Talks on public transportation from the Kuala Lumpur City Centre to the LCAT are underway.
"There would be 1,100 parking lots and 100 motorcycle parking bays for passengers using their own vehicles. Taxis and bus holding areas have also been designated."
Malaysia may be trying to open the low-cost terminal by its "tentative" March 6 date in order to "beat" Singapore, where the Changi Budget Terminal is scheduled to open March 26. Any bets on which date will be more reliable? (Malaysia denies it's trying to beat Singapore but says it's just ready to open.) stillthrobbing CFS