THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Caterers gain access to more airports

Caterers gain access to more airports

THE CABINET has unlocked draft contracts on air catering between the Airports of Thailand (AOT) and Bangkok Air Catering Co Ltd (BAC) and LSG Sky Chefs Co Ltd of Germany in a move that allows the two caterers to expand their services beyond Suvarnabhumi International Airport to other airports in the country.

Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said the Cabinet yesterday gave the green light to the draft amended contracts concerning the services of the air catering operators.
The move came after BAC and LSG Sky Chefs sought to expand their catering services to customers in other locations, including the Hua Hin and U-Tapao airports.
“Earlier, AOT and both caterers had contracts determining that the caterers would operate air catering within Suvarnahumi International Airport only,” Arkhom said.
“Now, we have opened up Don Mueang International Airport to them, so there will be more customers for them. Besides, U-Tapao airport, which will be upgraded to a higher level of commercial operations, has not yet had air catering services. With these contracts unlocked, the private sector will be able to begin services immediately and this will be beneficial for everyone.”
U-Tapao airport handles about 300,000 passengers a year. Arkhom said this figure may be too small to interest caterers now, but this would change with the expansion plans for the airport. 
If the number of passengers rises to 3 million a year in the future, this would be more attractive for catering operators, he said.
AOT president Nitinai Sirismatthakarn said that the easing of restrictions under the contracts would help not only the air caterers but also the broader aviation industry.
Under the air catering contracts, each caterer is required to contribute 12 per cent of its income to the AOT, which now earns about Bt100 million per year from these services.
 

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