Don Muang Airport Clarifies Status Of Grounded Aircraft On Flooded Runway

[webfact]

Don Mueang Airport clarifies status of grounded aircraft on flooded runway

BANGKOK, Nov 3 – The aircraft that were left surrounded by floodwater at Don Mueang Airport are decommissioned, but some still usable, according to airport director Group Captain Kantpat Mangalasiri.

He said post-flood damage estimates and rehabilitation would be carried out by airlines and related agencies once the water recedes.

Two Thai Airways International (THAI) Airbus A300-600 parked outside a hangar have water covering their wheels. Capt Kantpat said both planes were used for over 20 years, decommissioned and are awaiting resale.

However, 1st Lt Wuttichai Saguanmoo, THAI's Heavy Maintenance Department director, said the company had covered the wheelbases with plastic. The water level is currently higher than the wheelbase, but it can be reusable as it is made of metal.

He explained that even if the water level rose another 1.5 metres and submerges the aircraft body, no damage will be caused, for it is built of metal. But he admitted all parts must be reconditioned to be used again.

Regarding Orient Thai Airlines which also had aircraft at Don Mueang, Capt Kantpat said all four aircraft were decommissioned, but three of them remain usable. Their wheelbases are flooded but can be repaired. Further estimates will be made after the water recedes. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-11-03

[Fookhaht]

Unfortunately, those pictures are making their way into the foreign press with headlines like "Bangkok Airport Flooded," scaring off thousands more tourists into canceling their plans to come to Thailand.

[beano2274]

One thing to notice is that they are not on the Runway but in the parking areas

[whybother]

This statement should have come out as soon as DM was flooded and the pictures surfaced ().

[sparebox2]

Unfortunately, those pictures are making their way into the foreign press with headlines like "Bangkok Airport Flooded," scaring off thousands more tourists into canceling their plans to come to Thailand.

"Bangkok Airport Flooded" is correct. Don Mueang Airport is the ONLY airport in BANGKOK. This is a fact.

All other airports are OUTSIDE Bangkok.

[edwinchester]

Unfortunately, those pictures are making their way into the foreign press with headlines like "Bangkok Airport Flooded," scaring off thousands more tourists into canceling their plans to come to Thailand.

"Bangkok Airport Flooded" is correct. Don Mueang Airport is the ONLY airport in BANGKOK. This is a fact.

All other airports are OUTSIDE Bangkok.

Techically correct but ask the vast majority of tourists where they are flying to as they jet into swampy and they will invariably say Bangkok.

[ginjag]

This statement should have come out as soon as DM was flooded and the pictures surfaced ().

Other planes are not mentioned, one was in the rival newspaper, yesterday-it was One To Go MD, twin engined. similar to the old dc 9.

[GaiUan]

Unfortunately, those pictures are making their way into the foreign press with headlines like "Bangkok Airport Flooded," scaring off thousands more tourists into canceling their plans to come to Thailand.

"Bangkok Airport Flooded" is correct. Don Mueang Airport is the ONLY airport in BANGKOK. This is a fact.

All other airports are OUTSIDE Bangkok.

Techically correct but ask the vast majority of tourists where they are flying to as they jet into swampy and they will invariably say Bangkok.

Geographically correct but not technically, the IATA location code BKK is for both the city of Krung Thep and the Suvarnabhumi airport

Don Mueang is DMK...

[harsh4]

Unfortunately, those pictures are making their way into the foreign press with headlines like "Bangkok Airport Flooded," scaring off thousands more tourists into canceling their plans to come to Thailand.

correct...and smartass CNN reported this morning on how 'miserable' the plight of all Bangkokians is because 'they are stuck and cannot travel out as the airport is flooded' after showing pictures of Don Mueang. Some very junior weatehr reporter woman added her own touch to the report by saying 'the airport is closed' and nobody bothered double checking her report before airing... this was around 11 am or noon this morning...Sad...

[tomallison]

Unfortunately, those pictures are making their way into the foreign press with headlines like "Bangkok Airport Flooded," scaring off thousands more tourists into canceling their plans to come to Thailand.

correct...and smartass CNN reported this morning on how 'miserable' the plight of all Bangkokians is because 'they are stuck and cannot travel out as the airport is flooded' after showing pictures of Don Mueang. Some very junior weatehr reporter woman added her own touch to the report by saying 'the airport is closed' and nobody bothered double checking her report before airing... this was around 11 am or noon this morning...Sad...

Thailand needs to ensure that facts are reported as to the true situation here. You certainly will not get this from broadcasters like CNN.

[anon8]

'He explained that even if the water level rose another 1.5 metres and submerges the aircraft body, no damage will be caused, for it is built of metal

But he admitted all parts must be reconditioned to be used again..'

:D

[beano2274]

This statement should have come out as soon as DM was flooded and the pictures surfaced ().

Other planes are not mentioned, one was in the rival newspaper, yesterday-it was One To Go MD, twin engined. similar to the old dc 9.

12go is the same company as Orient Thai

[dominique355]

Unfortunately, those pictures are making their way into the foreign press with headlines like "Bangkok Airport Flooded," scaring off thousands more tourists into canceling their plans to come to Thailand.

"Bangkok Airport Flooded" is correct. Don Mueang Airport is the ONLY airport in BANGKOK. This is a fact.

All other airports are OUTSIDE Bangkok.

Suvannaphum, as I understand, is the Keht Latkrabang, which is part of Bangkok.

[sparebox2]

Unfortunately, those pictures are making their way into the foreign press with headlines like "Bangkok Airport Flooded," scaring off thousands more tourists into canceling their plans to come to Thailand.

"Bangkok Airport Flooded" is correct. Don Mueang Airport is the ONLY airport in BANGKOK. This is a fact.

All other airports are OUTSIDE Bangkok.

Suvannaphum, as I understand, is the Keht Latkrabang, which is part of Bangkok.

The airport is located in Racha Thewa in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan Province, about 25 kilometres (16 mi) east of downtown Bangkok. It is just EAST of Keht Latkrabang.

[zydeco]

Unfortunately, those pictures are making their way into the foreign press with headlines like "Bangkok Airport Flooded," scaring off thousands more tourists into canceling their plans to come to Thailand.

correct...and smartass CNN reported this morning on how 'miserable' the plight of all Bangkokians is because 'they are stuck and cannot travel out as the airport is flooded' after showing pictures of Don Mueang. Some very junior weatehr reporter woman added her own touch to the report by saying 'the airport is closed' and nobody bothered double checking her report before airing... this was around 11 am or noon this morning...Sad...

Thailand needs to ensure that facts are reported as to the true situation here. You certainly will not get this from broadcasters like CNN.

But Thai authorities only give out a miniscule amount of information in English. It's their own fault if people outside Thailand are getting misinformation, because English is the default for most international news agencies and networks. Heck, Thai authorities aren't even bothering to inform expats who live here, why do you think some guy in Buffalo or Helsinki would get a better picture?

[lensta]

One thing to notice is that they are not on the Runway but in the parking areas

Aircraft status changed to boat

[Daffy D]

'He explained that even if the water level rose another 1.5 metres and submerges the aircraft body, no damage will be caused, for it is built of metal

But he admitted all parts must be reconditioned to be used again..'

:D

Makes perfect sense

[beano2274]

One thing to notice is that they are not on the Runway but in the parking areas

Aircraft status changed to boat

Boats don't park, and those in the picture are not tied up, yet!

[lumply]

Runways are not used for parking purposes flooded or not, unless they are inactive. Runway surfaces are coded in line with recent precipitation, ice formation etc. to alert Pilots of breaking efficiency and hydroplaning speeds. Ramps however can flood in extreme circumstances. So let's get the terminology correct, ramps are aircraft parking areas, runways are for departing and arrivals (landing and take off). The aircraft shown is obviously not airworthy with most of its' empennage missing!

[rotary]

One thing to notice is that they are not on the Runway but in the parking areas

Aircraft status changed to boat

Future transit with these aircraft will change their announcement before Float off:

Ladies and Gentlemen, can please put on your life vest, stow you paddles in the up right position and make sure all kids do not drink the Klong Water while in transit. Our In Float entertainment will consist of"smells of the Klong". We will be serving an in float snack of flys. Thank you for floating with us today

[toenail]

Last night on the news I saw some of the airport support trucks and equipment with water over the engines...why didn't they move these expensive, special vehicles to higher ground???? A week ago the water was only about 20 centimeters.Wouldn't that be a clue to move the support vehicles. And the planes???Why weren't they flown somewhere else. It looked like one of the planes had water up to its engines. Can't anyone be "proactive"???????

[ratcatcher]

Last night on the news I saw some of the airport support trucks and equipment with water over the engines...why didn't they move these expensive, special vehicles to higher ground???? A week ago the water was only about 20 centimeters.Wouldn't that be a clue to move the support vehicles. And the planes???Why weren't they flown somewhere else. It looked like one of the planes had water up to its engines. Can't anyone be "proactive"???????

Falang have good idea but falang ask question too mutt. This Thailand, here we are reactive.:jap:

[colinscarr]

Last night on the news I saw some of the airport support trucks and equipment with water over the engines...why didn't they move these expensive, special vehicles to higher ground???? A week ago the water was only about 20 centimeters.Wouldn't that be a clue to move the support vehicles. And the planes???Why weren't they flown somewhere else. It looked like one of the planes had water up to its engines. Can't anyone be "proactive"???????

Falang have good idea but falang ask question too mutt. This Thailand, here we are reactive.:jap:

Looking at the photos, at least one Boeing 747 and one MD-80 have had their engines removed. So no way were they going to fly before the water reached them.

Not sure if the two THAI A300s are/were airworthy before they got their feet washed.

[Ricardo]

One thing to notice is that they are not on the Runway but in the parking areas

Aircraft status changed to boat

Flying-boat, perhaps ?

[Payboy]

Considering that most of those aircraft are Orient (1-2-Go), its probably a good thing if they're grounded forever.

[noitom]

Ineptocracy (in-ep-toc’-ra-cy) - a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers.

Sound familiar?

[transam]

Unfortunately, those pictures are making their way into the foreign press with headlines like "Bangkok Airport Flooded," scaring off thousands more tourists into canceling their plans to come to Thailand.

"Bangkok Airport Flooded" is correct. Don Mueang Airport is the ONLY airport in BANGKOK. This is a fact.

All other airports are OUTSIDE Bangkok.

London Airports are many MILES outside London.

[ALFREDO]

-Payboy- Regarding, to your Quote-

Considering that most of those aircraft are Orient (1-2-Go), its probably a good thing if they're grounded forever

Just on Monday "I risked?" to fly with -ORIENT THAI MD 80S- from BKK-HKT (Phuket), the same route as the fatal accident took.

It was the cheapest flight I could book in the Internet, free Internet booking (-Nok Air?) (Air Asia you pay a fee for paying with Credit card!)

The check In was immideately and fast, comparing to the overcrowded NOK AIR counters next to it a relief. Air Asia-check in at counter you pay a fee again! (Suvarnabhum Airport)

free snack, soft drink and coffee on board, (Nok Air bigger snack and water) (Air Asia nothing free)

free choosing of your seat, (Nok Air same, I think) (Air Asia-choose seat-pay!)

free 20 kg check in bags. (Nok Air 15 kg free) (Air Asia-check in Baggage-you pay extra)

Plane cabin cleaned well, friendly staff and only 35%? booked.

I cannot complain, maybe things are changed to the better?

[transam]

-Payboy- Regarding, to your Quote-

Considering that most of those aircraft are Orient (1-2-Go), its probably a good thing if they're grounded forever

Just on Monday "I risked?" to fly with -ORIENT THAI MD 80S- from BKK-HKT (Phuket), the same route as the fatal accident took.

It was the cheapest flight I could book in the Internet, free Internet booking (-Nok Air?) (Air Asia you pay a fee for paying with Credit card!)

The check In was immideately and fast, comparing to the overcrowded NOK AIR counters next to it a relief. Air Asia-check in at counter you pay a fee again! (Suvarnabhum Airport)

free snack, soft drink and coffee on board, (Nok Air bigger snack and water) (Air Asia nothing free)

free choosing of your seat, (Nok Air same, I think) (Air Asia-choose seat-pay!)

free 20 kg check in bags. (Nok Air 15 kg free) (Air Asia-check in Baggage-you pay extra)

Plane cabin cleaned well, friendly staff and only 35%? booked.

I cannot complain, maybe things are changed to the better?

Yep, perhaps you risked a lot to save a few bucks, hope the free coke was OK.

[MiG16]

Thai authorities aren't even bothering to inform expats who live here, why do you think some guy in Buffalo or Helsinki would get a better picture?

Actually, I notice in recent week at least, there's a fair bit more communication in English. Froc now have an English version of their announcements, ministry of foreign affairs have regular updates on their website, the local tv channels have an English version of the news on a daily basis, and while the thai news is on they have running text updates in English and thai. Deciding which of the info is reliable is a different story, but to say there's no effort to inform expats is wrong. Embassies are receiving info and in regular contact with the Govt. They then communicate with their citizens who are in the country.