ICAO experts to help launch massive check on Bangkok's new airport

BANGKOK: -- Experts from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will help thoroughly check operational and safety systems at Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi Airport before it is open later this year.

The ICAO experts are scheduled to visit Thailand to help launch the thorough inspection in June, according to the Acting President of Airports of Thailand Public Co.,Ltd. (AOT), Bancha Pattanaporn.

He said the move followed a recent suggestion of an association of international airline business that Thailand thoroughly check the operational and safety systems at the new airport before it is open for commercial purpose.

Mr. Bancha disclosed today after a meeting with delegates from association, which would be key customers in using the airport after its opening on 29 September.

Their advise came out of worries that accidents had occurred before in several countries, including at airports in Hong Kong and Korea, because they wanted to open the airports as soon as possible, causing accidents, which affected confidence among global passengers, he said.

"I assured the delegates that safety inspection would be made thoroughly, with an official test to be undertaken by the ICAO before the new Suvarnabhumi Airport opens its doors for business in late September", Mr. Bancha said.

He stressed that his office would listen to advise of the ICAO's experts.

Construction at the airport is now 86% completed, a delay from an earlier schedule by about 1.8%, and the delay in work is expected to be eliminated within the next one-two months, according to the AOT's chief.

--TNA 2005-02-05

Are they going to wait until June to announce that this airport will definitly NOT open in September ?

Are they going to wait until June to announce that this airport will definitly NOT open in September ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The guy from list number 9 will be re-elected Feb. 6.

After that it's camp in the swamp till the airport is ready.

Are they going to wait until June to announce that this airport will definitly NOT open in September ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The guy from list number 9 will be re-elected Feb. 6.

After that it's camp in the swamp till the airport is ready.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well ... the pronostic is September ... but not the coming one ...

Construction at the airport is now 86% completed, a delay from an earlier schedule by about 1.8%, and the delay in work is expected to be eliminated within the next one-two months, according to the AOT's chief.

it is always the last 20-15% that is hardest, it may look good on paper but achieving that last few % is always hard in any country.

good luck for september

He stressed that his office would listen to advise of the ICAO's experts.

I can see the outcome of this already. Should the ICAO express any concerns about the new airport that would impact whatever auspicious grand opening date that Mr. Big has in mind, they'll be summarily dismissed as cranks (foreign cranks no less) who know nothing and are trying to sabotage a moment of glory for the all-knowing TRT government.