Excitement is soaring at Suvarnabhumi Airport as the much-anticipated third runway is set to kick off operations by the end of the year. Airports of Thailand (AoT) is gearing up for a significant boost in aircraft handling capacity, jumping from a current 68 planes per hour to an impressive 94. This leap is not just a number but a monumental stride towards positioning Suvarnabhumi as a leader among global airports.
Last Thursday marked a pivotal moment with a comprehensive trial of the new runway. Heavyweights in the aviation industry, including Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai), Thai Airways International, and Bangkok Flight Services, were in attendance. Kittipong Kittikachorn, the ever-vigilant general manager of the airport, beamed with pride as a civilian aircraft majestically took off and then gracefully landed on the polished new stretch of asphalt.
“The trial was meticulous,” Mr. Kittipong remarked. “We left no stone unturned, examining every physical attribute of the runway, from its extensive taxiways to the intricate supporting equipment, ensuring paramount safety.”
Adding layers to this crescendo of successes, just a few days earlier, on August 14, the Royal Thai Air Force had already given its nod of approval. Their ATR-72 aircraft danced effortlessly upon the new runway, marking yet another feather in the cap for Suvarnabhumi.
As Thursday’s trial wrapped up, representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and allied agencies huddled together, briefing the airport’s team on the final tweaks and improvements needed. These discussions, while technical, were vital dress rehearsals before the runway’s grand debut.
Mr. Kittipong passionately emphasized, “This new runway isn’t just about numbers; it symbolizes our commitment to excellence and our ambition to match and even surpass global standards.”
The runway saga isn’t the only story coming out of AoT’s headquarters. Kirati Kijmanawat, director at AoT, shared some uplifting financial news. The company posted a net profit of 14.9 billion baht in the first nine months of its fiscal year ending on June 30. This seismic jump of 178% from the previous year’s 5.36 billion is nothing short of spectacular.
Delving into the numbers, AoT’s revenue ballooned to 50.76 billion baht, marking a robust 53.3% year-on-year increase. On the flip side, operational expenses also saw a rise, touching 29.5 billion, up 23.6%. However, considering the newfound vigor in international travel, these figures reflect a successful upward trajectory.
With all AoT’s six airports bustling with renewed energy, it’s clear skies ahead. Catering to a whopping 90 million passengers, which registers a 21.2% increase from the same period last year, the aviation industry in Thailand is truly capturing the winds of change.
I’m skeptical. Do we really need another runway? It’s just going to lead to more environmental damage.
But think about the economic benefits! More flights mean more tourism and business opportunities.
I get that, but at what cost? We are already facing severe climate issues.
It’s a balancing act. More flights mean more carbon emissions, but it’s also a sign of economic growth.
We should focus on sustainable aviation technologies instead of expanding runways.
Amazing news! This will significantly reduce flight delays. So tired of being stuck at the airport for hours.
Suvarnabhumi Airport really needed this expansion. It’s going to make travel so much smoother.
Absolutely! The current congestion is unbearable.
Hope other airports follow suit. The global air travel infrastructure is outdated.
True, it’s time for modernization across the board.
I feel like this is just a way for AoT to pad their profits. A third runway is overkill.
As a pilot, I can tell you this is a huge deal for safety and efficiency. More runways mean less congestion in the skies.
Couldn’t agree more. The fewer planes circling, the safer it is.
I understand that, but where does it end? Eventually, we’re going to run out of space and resources.
This is great for the local economy! More jobs and more tourism!
Temporary benefits. What about long-term sustainability?
I can’t believe people are already criticizing this. It’s a significant advancement!
The technical achievements here are phenomenal. Kudos to the engineers!
It’s interesting how many people don’t realize the importance of this for international standards.
International standards should also prioritize the environment.
No argument there. We need a dual approach.
I’m excited for my future flights to not be delayed as much. More runways, fewer delays!
Thailand is really stepping up its game. Impressive numbers and developments.
Yes, very inspiring! Can’t wait to visit again.
New runway just means more noise pollution for the locals. Not everyone wins here.
Valid point. Hopefully, they’ll implement noise-reduction measures.
Will this actually reduce flight costs, or just make AoT more money?
In theory, it should bring costs down due to increased efficiency.
People need to see the bigger picture. This is a long-term investment in infrastructure.