"Opening of Bangkok's new airport delayed by six months"

Saturday, February 26, 2005

New airport's opening delayed by six months 
BY AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK 
Thailand - The Bangkok Post


Airports of Thailand admitted for the first time yesterday that Suvarnabhumi
Airport will open six months after its originally scheduled opening date of
Sept 29.

AoT chairman Srisook Chandrangsu said the delay to March next year is aimed
at ensuring the safety of airline passengers. The delay will be spent
test-running systems being installed at the new Bangkok international
airport, he said.

But he dismissed a notion that the delay was forced by construction
problems, saying most construction was only slightly behind schedule and
workers would be able to finish projects on time.

Mr Srisook spoke during a ceremony to accept bids for commercial space at
the new airport. 

There have been concerns raised by several sectors that Suvarnabhumi Airport
would not be able to open this year.

The International Air Transport Association and construction experts were
among those who cast doubts on the Sept 29 opening date, given the amount of
work still incomplete.

In September, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra camped out at the site in
Samut Prakan's Bang Phli district to boost workers' morale. At the same
time, experts were warning about airport safety and quality amid government
and AoT pressure on construction firms to meet the deadline.

Mr Srisook insisted planes will be able to touch down at the airport on Sept
29, but commercial operation will be impossible until the International
Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) approves airport safety measures.

ICAO officials have visited the airport to inspect installed equipment, he
said.

''Once it is open, it must not have any problems obstructing service,'' Mr
Srisook said. Airlines have been informed about the new opening date and
they will be allowed to enter the airport in April to prepare their work
areas, he said.

Once complete, the 155-billion-baht Suvarnabhumi Airport will be the world's
largest single-terminal airport capable of accommodating 45 million
passengers in the first phase. It is five times bigger than Don Muang
airport.

Five consortiums are vying for the right to develop the commercial areas
covering 20,000 square metres at the new airport.

AoT accepted proposals from consortiums led by King Power International Co,
Mastermind Consultant Co, Central Department Store Co, Uawatsakul Co and
Imperial Plaza Co.

Mr Srisook said technical bids will be evaluated from Feb 28 and two
contenders with the best technical scores based on marketing and commercial
development plans will be selected for a price contest.

Retail prices in the commercial zone will be capped at 25% above market
prices, he said, adding that a good marketing plan was a key to winning the
contract.

The contractor will be required to guarantee a minimum return and a 15%
share of its income for AoT.

Mr Srisook said most contenders were operators at Don Muang and the winning
bid would be announced next month so that the contractor could finish
commercial development in time for the opening.


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