14.03.09 National flag carrier THAI reaffirms March 29 Suvarnabhumi move
Source: TNA
BANGKOK, March 14 (TNA) -- A committee responsible for restructuring
the operations of cash-strapped national flag carrier Thai Airways
International (THAI) has agreed to transfer all the airline’s domestic
flights to Suvarnabhumi international airport effective March 29 in a
bid to improve its network of operations and handling efficiency and
reduce overall operating costs.
The decision by the committee
was reached Thursday when it considered the advantages which passengers
would receive from integrating domestic flights and services from
Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport with its international operations at
Suvarnabhumi airport.
THAI has said that moving all 23
domestic flights to Suvarnabhumi will enable it to better manage its
flights and facilitate passengers wishing to travel throughout Thailand
as well as making connections to international flights. The move will
also help support the government’s policy on promoting national tourism
and economic growth.
In an attempt to provide better services
to passengers at Suvarnabhumi, the airline will triple the number of
check-in counters there from 12 at present to 36.
Besides
that, THAI will also add e-check-in points, and expand its VIP lounge
by nearly half again, from 650 square metres to 934 sqm, and also
increase the number of ground staff.
The committee’s meeting
came one day after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva ordered the
Ministry of Transport and THAI management to submit details of how THAI
would gain from moving its domestic flights to Suvarnabhumi.
Transport Minister Sopon Zarum has stood firm that THAI must move its fleet and services to Suvarnabhumi by March 29.
Mr.
Sopon said his ministry will report on the benefit derived from a one
airport policy within two weeks but promised that the move will take
place within the deadline. (TNA)
