British Airways World Cargo (BAWC) has appointed a new service team in Thailand to replace Qantas Freight, the carrier’s previous general sales agent (GSA) in Thailand.

The team is based in a new office at WFS-PG Cargo Suvarnabhumi Airport.

BAWC operates seven weekly B747-400 line flights to Thailand which route London – Bangkok – Sydney – Bangkok – London and feed into the carrier’s global network.

Latha Narayan, area commercial manager, South-East Asia and Australasia BAWC said: “This appointment is a positive step forward for BA World Cargo in Thailand and demonstrates our commitment to customers in the region.”

Novotel Suvarnabhumi was Accor Group’s second major airport hotel in Asia following the opening of Novotel Citygate near Hong Kong International Airport. Since its grand opening in September 2006, the four-star Novotel Suvarnabhumi – in a prime location with amenities galore – hasn’t disappointed.

In July, Novotel Suvarnabhumi was awarded the prestigious ‘Best Airport Hotel’ at the TravelWeekly (Asia)

Industry Awards 2008 in Singapore. The award recognizes the best in the Asian travel industry, acknowledging their contributions to tourism and hospitality.
When it opened, Novotel Suvarnabhumi joined an extensive network of more than 60 Accor airport hotels in 18 countries, including 20 under the Novotel brand. These include hotels in some of the world’s busiest airports in cities such as Paris, London, Frankfurt, Chicago and Sydney.

The Novotel Suvarnabhumi features 612 rooms in two square-shaped, five-story buildings, which are joined by a massive glass atrium designed as the hotel lobby. Covering 2,800 square meters and five-stories tall, it’s considered the largest hotel lobby in the world.

Leisure facilities include a 25-metre long swimming pool surrounded by tropical gardens, a fitness centre, extensive spa facilities, beauty salon, shopping arcade, Dolfi Kids Corner and babysitting services.

Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel also caters to Bangkok’s growing meeting and event market with more than 2,400 square meters of conference space, including a stunning ballroom for as many as 1,000 people, and six additional meeting and function rooms. The hotel is also well positioned for delegates attending events at the nearby BITEC Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Thailand’s exhibition industry saw a 10-15 percent growth rate in 2007, with Bangkok hosting more than 100 international and regional events. It is estimated the Thai capital will host 112 events in 2008, and Novotel Suvarnabhumi has targeted its share of the market.
The success of a meeting depends on how well prepared it is, and Novotel’s years of experience in conference organization has led to the development of a comprehensive training program by Accor specialists.

Airports of Thailand (AoT) reported that it will promote Suvarnabhumi Airport as one of the world’s top ten international airports in terms of outstanding service within the coming year.

Speaking on the occasion of the second anniversary of the airport’s opening, AoT acting president Serirat Prasutanont said more than 80 million people had used the service in the past two years.

Of this, 41.9 million are passengers traveling during October 2006 to September 2007 and 38.5 million during October 2007 to August 2008.

It is expected the number of passengers this year will reach 41.14 million at the end of this month.

He said that air cargo services during the past two years totaled 2.42 million tonnes, with 1.2 million tonnes registered in the first year.

It projected air cargo through the end of this fiscal year would total 1.29 million tonnes.

One hundred eleven airlines currently serve Suvarnabhumi, 97 as passenger airlines and 14 carrying cargo.

During the third year of operations, Mr Serirat said AoT planned to improve design and utility of luggage wheels at the airport to meet international standards.

It would also increase the number of closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitors by 755 from the 1,074 now installed as part of a concerted effort to boost security measures both inside and outside passenger buildings.

“We have targeted making Suvarnabhumi Airport one of the world’s top ten airports with outstanding services in 2009,” he said. (TNA)

BANGKOK: Airports of Thailand, the public company which runs many of the country’s airports, is aiming to develop more non-aeronautical revenue.

This is one of the policies being introduced by AOT’s acting president Serirat Prasutanond, which he revealed in an address at the combined Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia and Corporate Travel World Conferences in Bangkok.

He said the first two years for Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok had been a time for problem solving and improving amenities, particularly the pressing concern about lack of toilets. An extra 104 toilets had been completed, bringing the total to 1569.

Light and temperatures within the passenger terminal had also been improved, as well as transportation issues. A One-Stop Service had been introduced to deal with complaints.

“We are also negotiating with the Immigration Service for more officers at the airport to process foreign visitors,” said Prasutanond, citing user satisfaction, safety and a rearrangement of the service area at the international arrivals hall so passengers would have “no disturbance from gangsters”.

He said AOT would also appreciate low-cost airlines moving to Don Mueang Airport (Bangkok’s former international airport).

Prasutanond said the second stage of the Suvarnabhumi Airport development would cost US$2.3 million. It was “rather certain” the airport would reach full capacity of serving 45 million passengers a year by 2011, with its runways servicing up to 64 flights an hour in peak periods. The second-phase development would boost the airport’s capacity to 60 million passengers a year and include a third runway, a midfield satellite terminal, a linking tunnel and passenger transport system, expansion of the passenger terminal, an extra car-park and a public utility system.

AOT planned to earn more from non-aeronautical activities, such as co-operating with the private sector to develop an airport business centre. Seven projects are planned to be implemented before 2025 – a 50,000sq.m. convention centre, an export trade exhibition centre, office buildings, community shopping malls, entertainment venues, a 3.5-star hotel and a hospital and health-care amenities.

“We have 18 months to choose a developer,” said Prasutanond. Project priorities would depend on the developer.

There were six strategies to make Suvarnabhumi Airport a “cosy airport”, including security, services, co-operation with airlines, government units and businesses, commercial activities and “service and attitude”. AOT plans to use Don Mueang International Airport for charter flights, private jets, test flights and a maintenance centre.

Speaking of regional airports, Prasutanond said development plans for Chiang Mai International Airport would help cut pollution, and an export warehouse would be developed.

An international aviation training institute would be set up at Chiang Rai International Airport as well as a river and truck terminal and logistics centre.

A private jet terminal is “under study” for Phuket International Airport, where a sea port was being established, and an express way transportation centre would be set up at Hat Yai International Airport.

Asked by a journalist how it had been possible for protesters to close international airport twice in Thailand, Prasutnond said the airport union had negotiated with the chief of the protesters not to use the airports for protests as it was not good for tourism.

In response to another question, he said the airport train link had been delayed until May or June. “It is not being built by AOT, but we are trying to rush the program”.
Meanwhile, Prasutnond said a Thailand frequent flyer card was being introduced, initially for Thai passport holders. It would eventually cover foreign frequent visitors.

AIRLINE Twenty-one passengers and 11 crew members on a China Airlines flight were injured when the aircraft hit turbulence on a journey to Thailand yesterday.

Suvarnabhumi airport director and acting president of the Airports of Thailand Serirat Prasutanond said Bangkok-bound flight CI 641 from Taipei via Hong Kong arrived at Suvarnabhumi about 1.20pm. The plane ran into turbulence 20 minutes before landing, Mr Serirat said.

The passengers and crew on board received minor injuries and were treated at Vejthani hospital, Praram Nine hospital and Samitivej hospital’s Srinakarin branch. Director-general of the Civil Aviation Department Chaisak Angsuwan said the Boeing 747 aircraft was hit by turbulence while over Vietnam.

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Taxi drivers strike

AIRPORT The Land Transport Department and Suvarnabhumi airport yesterday turned down taxi drivers’ demands that they be exempt from using meters on routes from the airport to Bangkok’s suburbs and outskirts. Some drivers at the airport went on strike last night, insisting on the right to negotiate fares.

But the department’s Pongchai Kasemthaweesak said the law required taxi drivers to use meters, after complaints that drivers were overcharging passengers at Don Mueang airport. Suvarnabhumi airport deputy director Prateep Wijittho said airport authorities called in outside taxi drivers to work in place of those who went on strike.

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Siamese twins die

HEALTH Siamese twins Kannika and Nattarika died in hospital in Samut Prakan yesterday after being born by Caesarean section three days ago, doctors said. The baby girls were joined from the chest to the abdomen. Their mother Rakduang, 31, went into labour at Samut Prakan hospital on Tuesday morning.

The twins were delivered that afternoon. However, they were in poor physical condition and were put on life-support. They were pronounced dead about 6am yesterday. Their parents decided to donate their bodies for educational purposes as they could not afford a funeral.

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Concession row

TOLLWAYS The labour union of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) wants the state enterprise to withdraw a recent decision on tolls favouring expressway concessionaire Bangkok Expressway Co Ltd (Becl).

Union president Saravoot Sriphayak said he wanted Exat to ask cabinet to cancel its Sept 9 resolution that the state enterprise extend a 40% toll share for Becl for 10.8 more years after the company’s concession expires in February 2020.

The Exat board agreed that the company deserved to take a share of motorway tolls for a longer period as Exat had failed to raise tolls as contracted with the company in 1998, 2003 and this year.

Mr Saravoot said Exat should wait for the Supreme Court to rule on the toll dispute with BECL. Compensation ordered by the court would probably be no more than one billion baht, while the extended toll share would cost Exat 18 billion baht, he said.

PHUKET: In further bad news for the island’s immediate tourism prospects, the Gazette has confirmed that low-cost carrier Nok Air has suspended its remaining flights to Phuket, most likely for the rest of the low season.

In an email reply received by the Gazette this morning, Nok Air’s Chief Executive Officer wrote, “Yes, we have suspended flights to Phuket for this month. We will resume [flying to] Phuket in the very near future after we have arranged our new TPI [timetable planning] for the coming high season.”

The high season in Phuket nominally kicks off on November 1, with the Phuket Carnival in Patong.

With rival low-cost carrier One-Two-Go grounded until at least October, all regularly-scheduled flights between Bangkok and Phuket currently fly out of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Both Nok Air and One-Tow-Go use domestic hub Don Meuang Airport as their base of operations.

Report by Gazette aviation columnist Alastair Carthew.

After opening two years ago with great fanfare, the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel continues to be graced by the presence of high-ranking foreign dignitaries.

One of Bangkok’s hottest hotels is attracting prominent foreign guests thanks to its reputation for quality and ideal location next to the international airport.

August saw visits by three prominent foreign travelers to the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, including Her Majesty the Queen of Sweden Silvia Renate Sommerlath, who was on a private visit to the Kingdom. The president of Laos, Lt. Gen. Choummaly Sayasone, also enjoyed a stay with his wife Keosaychay Sayasone.

The new prime minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, arrived at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel for a private visit after being elected on Aug. 18. Prachanda was once the leader of a rebel group known in Nepal as the Maoists.

The visits by three dignitaries in August followed one by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at Novotel Suvarnabhumi in May. He held a press conference organized by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in one of the hotel’s many high-tech conferences.

Six function rooms span an area of 2,400 square meters and offer built-in audio-visual systems with centrally controlled computer-enhanced displays, monitors and projectors. The Grand Ballroom showcases cutting-edge CCTV technology that enables such features as teleconferences or videoconferences.

In 2007, Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel was chosen as one of the three “Best Airport Hotels in Asia Pacific for Meeting & Conference” by CEI Asia Pacific.

With only 300 meters separating Novotel Suvarnabhumi from the Bangkok airport, vacations begin the moment the visitor’s flight touches down. All 612 rooms and suites showcase sophisticated living spaces decorated with contemporary Thai art, and evoke a sense of cultured refinement.

The sound-proofed, double-glazed windows seal out unwelcome noise from the outdoors, creating an ultimate sanctuary for total relaxation.

Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel opened on Sept. 28, 2006 to coincide with the inauguration of Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. It was voted the “Best Airport Hotel” at the TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Awards 2008 in Singapore in July.

The hotel offers two bars, four restaurants and “Vous Spa,” a luxurious urban spa from France.

Security at Suvarnabhumi international airport in Bangkok and at Chiang Mai International Airport was stepped up on Friday afternoon after supporters of the anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy intruded into Hat Yai, Phuket and Krabi airports in the South.

The intrusion closed all three tourist-important airports, leaving passengers stranded.

All fights to and from both airports have reportedly been cancelled after thousands of PAD supporters blocked their entrances and entered the airport buildings to demand that the government stops using force against the protesters in Bangkok.

Security at Suvarnabhumi international airport in Bangkok and at Chiang Mai International Airport was stepped up on Friday afternoon after supporters of the anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy intruded into Hat Yai, Phuket and Krabi airports in the South.

The intrusion closed all three tourist-important airports, leaving passengers stranded.

All fights to and from both airports have reportedly been cancelled after thousands of PAD supporters blocked their entrances and entered the airport buildings to demand that the government stops using force against the protesters in Bangkok.

The long-awaited expansion of Suvarnabhumi Airport has been set in motion now that Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) has agreed to proceed with the 78-billion-baht programme.

The majority state-owned and SET-listed airport operator’s board last Friday endorsed the Phase 2 development and will soon seek final consent from the Transport Ministry and the cabinet.

The expansion, which was supposed to have begun shortly after the airport opened in September 2006, would increase the passenger handling capacity of Thailand’s gateway airport by 33%, to 60 million in the next six years from 45 million currently.

Kulya Pakakrong, AoT’s senior executive vice-president, said yesterday that the expansion would deal with the crowding problem at the airport which is now operating close to its capacity.

The expansion involves building a midfield terminal and a third runway.

AoT’s decision comes at the time when the airline industry is facing a severe downturn with a marked slowdown in traffic and ballooning operating costs, all triggered by skyrocketing fuel prices.

But it responds to the airline industry’s longstanding call for AoT to deal with the congestion that had inconvenienced airlines and passengers alike.

The industry has warned that Suvarnabhumi was losing out to rival airports in Southeast Asia, namely Singapore Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), as the region’s preferred air hubs due to its restricted capacity and high service fees.

Mrs Kulya insisted that the possible excess capacity at the airport resulting from the expansion was not an issue as AoT was still seeing traffic growth through Suvarnabhumi.

”Suvarnabhumi’s traffic is on course with projections for 6.5% annual growth in the near term, 5.5% in the medium term and 4% long-term,” she said.

But according to AoT figures, passenger traffic through Suvarnabhumi grew just 1.94% year-on-year in the first half of this year to 21.21 million.

AoT aims to call a tender for the airport expansion work next year and hopes to be able to start construction by the end of 2009.

About 33 billion baht of the estimated project cost would come from loans from the Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC), which was a major lender for the phase-one project that cost 155 billion baht.

Mrs Kulya said AoT had already contracted a consulting company to conduct an environmental impact study for the expansion project. It will hold public hearings to explain plans to mitigate noise pollution resulting from the increased air traffic.

AOT shares closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 38.50 baht, unchanged, in trade worth 5.5 million baht.