AOT to cut costs at Suvarnabhumi after THAI downsizing
Suvarnabhumi Airport plans to reduce the number of check-in counters and hangar space to cut cost following the downsizing by national flag carrier Thai Airways (THAI).
Airports of Thailand Pcl (AOT), which runs Suvarnabhumi Airport, is preparing to close about 50 per cent of the check-in area as THAI has now entered into business rehabilitation through the Central Bankruptcy Court. Under the rehabilitation plan, THAI will also reduce the size of its fleet and flights, requiring fewer check-in counters and hangar space.
"In the past, Thai Airways used to be a large service user due to the number of flights, accounting for up to 20 per cent of traffic at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
AOT said it would use the additional check-in counters to manage other airlines, a source said.
AOT is also preparing to retake possession of parts of the aircraft hangar as THAI would need less space due to the reduction of aircraft by the airline.
AOT said the concourse will be managed to maximise efficiency and reduce management costs.
The source said that the pandemic had a direct impact on the administration of Suvarnabhumi Airport as commercial airlines are not able to fly on international routes while the number of passengers and tourists from around the world is decreasing. It is estimated that by 2021 Suvarnabhumi Airport will see 126,000 flights, down 66 per cent, compared to 370,000 in 2019.
