Following a pivotal board meeting on Wednesday, it was determined that the Airports of Thailand (AOT) will orchestrate a major reshuffle, repositioning 68 high-ranking officers in an effort to enhance overall operational efficiency. These sweeping changes are set to commence on August and October 1 of this year, signaling a new era for one of Thailand’s premier providers of aviation services.
Included among these dramatic shifts is a significant change in leadership for Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, one of the busiest hubs in the sector. Karun Thanakuljeerapat, the current director of the airport, is to move into an advisory role at the core AOT headquarters. Stepping up to fill the grand shoes left vacant by this move is Wijit Kaesaithiam, who will bid farewell to his current position as head of Chiang Mai International Airport.
This substantial reassignment comes in the wake of the in-depth investigation launched by AOT into a tragic accident that occurred at Don Mueang International Airport on June 29th. A female passenger tragically lost her left leg after become trapped in a moving walkway located at the South Corridor Pier no. 4-5 of Domestic Terminal 2.
According to insider information, investigators attributed the cause of the accident to a plate of the travelator slipping from its frame due to a lack of securing screws. Notably, three loose screws were discovered in the pit area beneath the moving walkway. This now-infamous travelator was first installed way back in 1987 and had its components entirely upgraded in 2015 by the original manufacturer. However, it was reported that this older model, despite having five safety sensors in place, lacked one critical sensor at the floor plates.
Aforementioned AOT director, Kirati Kitmanawat, shared that the board has put forth a proposal to hire an independent third-party investigator. Their primary task? To assiduously scrutinize the state and safety of all walkways and related equipment at Don Mueang Airport, in a bid to regain the trust of worried passengers. As per Kirati, these expert investigators would specialize in all things related to escalators, elevators, and travelators.
Furthermore, in an endeavor to keep an eagle eye on all movement and machinery, additional CCTV cameras are slated to be installed at all walkways. This will facilitate an enhanced level of monitoring for any potential damages or missing parts.
Last but certainly not least, the airport is now on the hunt for an external audit company to thoroughly examine the maintenance of all mechanical equipment used at the airport. The report from this audit will serve as a beacon, highlighting any existing shortcomings in airport operations, and provide a roadmap towards an improved standard operating procedure both during regular operations and in emergency situations.
Be First to Comment