AOT anticipates increase in passenger numbers
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The number of passengers travelling through Airports of Thailand's airports is expected to increase by 6-7 per cent next year.
AOT Chairman Sita Divari anticipated the increase in light of continued positive sentiment, particularly during high tourism seasons.
In June, AOT expected the number of passengers through its six international airports to rise to 85 million this year, an increase by 13.5 million or 19 per cent from last year.
The company operates six international airports. Aside from Suvarnabhumi, the others are Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai and Phuket.
Suvarnabhumi is now expanding its capacity. For the second phase development, Sita said that the company would not raise capital or issue debentures to finance the investment.
He said that AOT is now sitting on some Bt38 billion in cash. The rest could be balanced by the company's profits in the 2014-2015 fiscal years.
Today, AOT's board of directors approved the increase in passenger service charges (PSC) for domestic and international travellers using service at its six airports.
Sita Divari, chairman of Airports of Thailand which operates the six airports including Suvarnabhumi Airport, said this adjustment is in line with the actual operating cost. AOT now pays Bt336 per domestic traveller, he said. Moreover, the higher PSC would also allow AOT to accomplish its vision to operate "the world's smartest airports".
The passenger service charge for domestic travellers will be doubled from Bt100 to Bt200. Meanwhile, international travellers' PSC will be raised from Bt700 to Bt800.
The PSC was last adjusted in 2011.
