Airport expansion ahead of AEC
Thai airports have enjoyed a 10 per cent increase in passengers each year, but a bigger increase is anticipated when the Asean Economic Community starts.
Transport Minister Chatchart Sithipan said at a seminar yesterday that regional airports like the ones in Hat Yai and Phuket must be expanded to cope with more traffic.
He also foresees an increasing number of passengers at Udon Thani airport, which is supervised by the Civil Aviation Department.
On Suvarnabhumi Airport, it should operate at maximum capacity in two years. Airports of Thailand, the airport operator, will need to rush on the second-phase development, whereby the third runway would be constructed as well as warehousing areas would be expanded.
Chatchart also urged AOT to look into the transparency of its bidding process. Under the current rules, despite the cost of the projects, AOT sets to complete the bidding process in 22 days and bidders have only 6 days to submit bids.
"AOT's transparency is in my focus. I know that the process is part of the AOT's regulations, but the board of directors should look into the bidding period. Is it appropriate to require bidders to submit bids within 6 days? How bidders who don't know about the project in advance could submit bids (in such a short period)," he said.
AOT is also recommended to reduce expense and increase commercial revenue. Right now, AOT revenue grows 14 per cent per year while expenses go up by 8-9 per cent. A shortfall could prevail if airports meet their limits and could not generate more income.
RELATED
