AOT APPROVES 5,79 BILLION BAHT FOR PHUKET AIRPORT EXPANSION
The board of AoT (Airports of Thailand Plc.) approved a 7,79 billion Baht plan for the expansion of Phuket International Airport.After the expansion Phuket airport’s handling capacity will double to 12,5 million passengers per year by 2013.The expansion will address crowding at Thailand’s second busiest airport and meet the expected rise in air traffic demand over the next 10 years.Last year, almost six million visitors passed through Phuket International Airport.Arrivals in the first four months of this year (2009) was slowed by the global economic crisis and the political turmoil, contracting 13,8% to a bit more than two million arrivals with flights shrinking 17,1% year-on-year to 12,939.The expansion, which includes the construction of anew terminal for international passengers, improving the existing terminal, upgrading the jet fuelling system and building new taxiways, is scheduled to commence by the end of next year.AoT has also started with a study on building a terminal dedicated to private jets at the airport. This is part of the plan to further improve the island’s growing reputation as a destination for the international stars, the rich and famous and jet-setting business people.This first of its kind terminal in Thailand would be built separately from the expanding main terminal under a ‘build-transfer-operate’ contract. This means that AoT would own the facility but private companies would invest in and run it.
