In a bid to enhance its services and accommodate the burgeoning passenger growth, Bangkok Airways has unveiled plans for a substantial investment of 2.3 billion baht into the upgrade of Samui-Trat Airport. The investment is earmarked for the construction of a new terminal and the expansion of runways. The ambitious project is aimed at positioning Trat Airport as a significant aviation hub akin to Samui.
According to Mr. Puttipong Prasat Thongosot, President of Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited, the company is set to embark on two major projects spanning from 2024 to 2026. The first project involves the renovation of the Samui Airport Terminal, with an investment totaling approximately 1.5 billion baht. The renovation aims to bolster infrastructure by increasing the number of gates from 7 to 11, alongside the addition of 10 check-in counters and commercial spaces. Scheduled for completion by 2025, this overhaul aligns with the government’s objective of optimizing Samui Airport’s efficiency, catering to the influx of passengers, which currently stands at 2 million inbound and outbound annually.
Simultaneously, Bangkok Airways is poised to ramp up flight operations in and out of Samui Airport, with plans to engage two Chinese airlines to illuminate the 2024 blueprint of transporting 4.5 million passengers. The company also eyes an expansion in its fleet by at least 20 aircraft, signaling its commitment to meet the escalating travel demands.
Additionally, the Trat Airport Development Project, with an investment ranging from 700 to 800 million baht, is on the horizon. The project entails the extension of the runway to accommodate small jets, including Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft. Moreover, plans are afoot to transform the old terminal into a cargo warehouse, further enhancing the airport’s capabilities.
Mr. Puttipong highlighted the company’s strategic foresight, citing projections by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that anticipate robust growth in air travel within the Asia-Pacific region. As such, Bangkok Airways aims to capitalize on this burgeoning demand, evidenced by a 13% increase in pre-bookings for the June to December 2024 period compared to the previous year.
With an initial target of ferrying 4.5 million passengers in 2024 and an estimated 48,000 flights, Bangkok Airways remains steadfast in its commitment to bolstering its operational capacity. This includes a push for additional aircraft acquisitions, with plans to procure a minimum of 20 aircraft over the next 2-3 years, augmenting its existing fleet of 24 aircraft.
As Bangkok Airways charts a course for expansion and modernization, the company reaffirms its dedication to providing seamless and efficient air travel experiences for passengers, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing Thailand’s aviation landscape.
