AoT Denies Suvarnabhumi Runway Repairs Cause Flight Delays

[webfact]

AoT denies runway repairs cause flight delays

BANGKOK, June 13 -- The Airports of Thailand (AoT) on Wednesday denied a claim by airline operators that its runway repairs have caused air traffic congestion and flight delays, according to Suvarnabhumi Airport Director Somchai Sawasdeepon.

AoT has closed a 1.65km section of the eastern runway since Monday for repairs and the maintenance is expected to be completed Aug 9.

Mr Somchai said that since the repair works began, only one flight—belonging to United Airlines— was forced to change its destination from Suvarnabhumi to Don Mueang Airport and the main reason was due to the amount of aircraft fuel.

He said that according to the monitors, the delay caused by the runway maintenance was only 30-40 minutes on average, which was not beyond the standard.

He added that the repair work would take around 40 days.

At present, there are some 80,000 passengers using Suvarnabhumi Airport each day, 20 per cent lower than the high season passenger load of 100,000 passengers per day.

Mr Somchai led media to see the new security screening checkpoint area at the international departure lounge located at the eastern side of terminal.

The new security screening checkpoint would officially open at 4am on Friday, he said.

The director said the opening of the new security screening checkpoint would help facilitate the passengers as it has 1,600 square metres space and passengers who bring prohibited objects such as liquids could hand over the banned substances to their families and friends who come to see them off.

Moreover, 12 new baggage X-ray machines have been installed including two 3-D scanners and two body scanners, he said. With the new facilities, screening processes could be 2.5 times faster or 3,600 passengers per hour. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-06-13

[h90]

"AoT denies runway repairs cause flight delays"

"the delay caused by the runway maintenance was only 30-40 minutes on average"

On average: considering that flights off peak time like in the middle of the night have no delays, some others must have very bad delays to come to 40 min average.

[slapout]

Does every offical speak out of both sides of their mouth? jUST FRONT UP AND SAY 'YES WE ARE EXPERIENCING SOME DELAY BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS WHEN THIS FINISHED WE WILL BE BACK TO OUR NORMAL DELAY TIME.

[gk10002000]

Article says: "At present, there are some 80,000 passengers using Suvarnabhumi Airport each day, 20 per cent lower than the high season passenger load of 100,000 passengers per day". Doesn't seem like high season is that big of an increase. Something seems amiss with somebody's numbers?

[Thaddeus]

Something seems amiss with somebody's numbers?

That is perfectly normal, so don't worry about it..... it never bothers them.

[Reasonableman]

Good to see we got those top-of-the-line x-ray scanners at last

[upena]

Rules for Thai officials when confronted with truth:

1. Deny

2. Deflect

3. Wait for story to die

[Schuimpge]

Something seems amiss with somebody's numbers?

That is perfectly normal, so don't worry about it..... it never bothers them.

What was the latest panic again? 45 million passengers currently per year?

At 80000 p/day, that's only 29 million, the 100,000 p/day only 36 million...

Nothing to worry about, but did I miss out on another 'season' outside of low-season and high-season?

[MikeOboe57]

At night and in instrument weather conditions Swampy only has one runway now, all other times it has 1 1/2 runways (1 for either dep or arr depending on wind direction - and cat c aircraft max, e.g. no 747s). So if they are normally running above 50 - 75% capacity there must be delays.

[svenivan]

Can someone help with the maths please?

"At present, there are some 80,000 passengers using Suvarnabhumi Airport each day, 20 per cent lower than the high season passenger load of 100,000 passengers per day.

................................

Moreover, 12 new baggage X-ray machines have been installed including two 3-D scanners and two body scanners, he said. With the new facilities, screening processes could be 2.5 times faster or 3,600 passengers per hour. (MCOT online news)"

3,600 passengers per hour x 24 = 86 400 passengers per day

What will they do during High season with 100 000 passengers per day?

[gankusfarang]

Typical Thai bullsh!t...I had a mate fly into Bangkok Monday, 11-June on United Airlines (LAX-BKK). First, the pilot explains that they must fly a "holding" pattern over Suvarnabhumi for one hour. Then, after that one hour expired, the pilot explains that they must land at Don Muang because the airplane does not have enough fuel to maintain further holding pattern. The flight lands at Don Muang, and then another 45 minute delay after refueling. How would this a$$hat explain this one, haha?

[h90]

Can someone help with the maths please?

"At present, there are some 80,000 passengers using Suvarnabhumi Airport each day, 20 per cent lower than the high season passenger load of 100,000 passengers per day.

................................

Moreover, 12 new baggage X-ray machines have been installed including two 3-D scanners and two body scanners, he said. With the new facilities, screening processes could be 2.5 times faster or 3,600 passengers per hour. (MCOT online news)"

3,600 passengers per hour x 24 = 86 400 passengers per day

What will they do during High season with 100 000 passengers per day?

and what did they before it was 2.5 times faster?

someone has not enough fingers to count.....

[h90]

Typical Thai bullsh!t...I had a mate fly into Bangkok Monday, 11-June on United Airlines (LAX-BKK). First, the pilot explains that they must fly a "holding" pattern over Suvarnabhumi for one hour. Then, after that one hour expired, the pilot explains that they must land at Don Muang because the airplane does not have enough fuel to maintain further holding pattern. The flight lands at Don Muang, and then another 45 minute delay after refueling. How would this a$$hat explain this one, haha?

that is what he told: "the delay caused by the runway maintenance was only 30-40 minutes on average"

Means on a Wednessday 3 AM there is no delay and on a Monday rush hour it will be 2 hours to get the average.....

[GentlemanJim]

How do you know when senior Thai Government Officials and Executives are lying? .......They open their mouths!

[gankusfarang]

Well, by definition that is a delay...ecspecially given the subtitle to the article - "The Airports of Thailand (AoT) on Wednesday denied a claim by airline operators that its runway repairs have caused air traffic congestion and flight delays"

Plus, I would call a one hour holding pattern, plus landing at a different airport, quite a significant delay.

[Debothai]

Suvarnabhumi Airport has capacity problems and these are not entirely related to the runway repairs. Runway repairs are but a small contributor to the congestion. The congestion is mainly due to the low capacity of the airport combined with the rapid expansion of low cost carriers that are unable or unwilling to be relocated to Don Muang.

[bangkokheat]

Does every offical speak out of both sides of their mouth? jUST FRONT UP AND SAY 'YES WE ARE EXPERIENCING SOME DELAY BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS WHEN THIS FINISHED WE WILL BE BACK TO OUR NORMAL DELAY TIME.

i agree, its not that difficult to tell he truth, cant stand and have no time for liars. We flew in on monday and we had to circle suvarnabhum because it was busy,BULLSHIT, after we landed we went thru customs and only had one person in front of us, I wish it was busy like this everytime we arrive

[Wiggy]

So, if it's not causing any delays or congestion then why not leave the damaged runway at it's shortened length and save the repair bill?

[h90]

So, if it's not causing any delays or congestion then why not leave the damaged runway at it's shortened length and save the repair bill?

we could also paint it new and tell it is already repaired.

[tartempion]

What was the latest panic again? 45 million passengers currently per year?

At 80000 p/day, that's only 29 million, the 100,000 p/day only 36 million...

Nothing to worry about, but did I miss out on another 'season' outside of low-season and high-season?

That's because Nok Air's 10 daily flights leave/land at Don Meuang again you dumbo!

Don't forget to add the immigration officers are relieved thanks to the domestic flights leaving from Don Meuang also!

Edited June 14, 2012 by tartempion

[h90]

Suvarnabhumi Airport has capacity problems and these are not entirely related to the runway repairs. Runway repairs are but a small contributor to the congestion. The congestion is mainly due to the low capacity of the airport combined with the rapid expansion of low cost carriers that are unable or unwilling to be relocated to Don Muang.

unable, unwilling or not allowed to.

In the past there were a lot of fights who is allowed and who not. As Don Muang has lower costs.

One group want to close Don Muang, because they have their fingers in corruption of anything that get added to Suvanabhumi. I think some were Newins people, so this is relaxed now.

Some didn't want to allow Air Asia, because it belongs partly to Thaksin and played already a bad game by changing Thai Airways flight plans so Air Asia can have profitable routes.

Nok Air want the advantage alone and is good connected.

As it is very bureaucratic there a million things to stop or delay.....

[starkey_rich]

How long has the airport been open?

And closing one runway for 3 months.

[flyingexpat]

Can someone help with the maths please?

"At present, there are some 80,000 passengers using Suvarnabhumi Airport each day, 20 per cent lower than the high season passenger load of 100,000 passengers per day.

................................

Moreover, 12 new baggage X-ray machines have been installed including two 3-D scanners and two body scanners, he said. With the new facilities, screening processes could be 2.5 times faster or 3,600 passengers per hour. (MCOT online news)"

3,600 passengers per hour x 24 = 86 400 passengers per day

What will they do during High season with 100 000 passengers per day?

the mistake in this calculation is that only departing passengers use the scanners, that mean with 24 hours calculation a average of 2568 people a hour. 45.000.000 :2 :24:365 = 2568

average high season should be more close to 154.000 passengers a day and average daily 123.000 passengers

leave a 20% lower then high season rate of about 100.000 passangers

Edited June 14, 2012 by flyingexpat

[thailandshasse]

How long has the airport been open?

And closing one runway for 3 months.

.

It,s a real fact, that the new airport really don,t have calcylated the wheel pressure om bigger wide body aircrafts, as Airbus 380, and also the older 747,s.

Tried to "help " the airport with same real informations about the new 380, and the plane,s figures, but NO INTEREST FROM THE AIRPORT AUTHORITIES AT ALL..

Are also retired pilote,with more than 30 year flying on my back, and have still contact with Airbus Industries in Tolouse, and get these informations for soon 10 year, to give FOR FREE to Airport responsible persons, but " everybody knows all these figures and numbers (weight ) were the reply ".

NOBODY WERE EVEN INTERESTED !

Maybe to much fact, AND NO MONEY UNDER THE TABLE ???

Maybe we all remember one of the runway where 50 or 60 meter to short, om opening.

Remember ALL THE DALAY IN THE BUILDING ALSO, and THE CLOSING AGAIN OF THE AIRPORT.

To many who who sit on their horses, and know,s a lot !

It,s time to clean up, and "install competent personnel " on the airport authorities, if ThaIland will keep the top position as main hub in Asia..

[belg]

when an average somchai says she will be at a meeting at 2 pm, in thai that can mean : 12.30 or 4 pm

thai time streches a bit from the rest of the world

mai pen rai as 40 min is, mhhh usual

[PoodMaiDai]

The Airports of Thailand (AoT) on Wednesday denied a claim by airline operators that its runway repairs have caused air traffic congestion and flight delays, according to Suvarnabhumi Airport Director Somchai Sawasdeepon.

He said that according to the monitors, the delay caused by the runway maintenance was only 30-40 minutes on average, which was not beyond the standard.

---------------------

WHERE DO THEY FIND THESE DELUSIONAL CLOWNS?

There must be one awesome circus in Thailand that I'm not aware of.

Honestly, anyone in Thailand who works for any agency, especially a government agency, must be required to wear clown shoes as part of their uniform, so that everyone can clearly identify them for what they are.

[h90]

How long has the airport been open?

And closing one runway for 3 months.

.

It,s a real fact, that the new airport really don,t have calcylated the wheel pressure om bigger wide body aircrafts, as Airbus 380, and also the older 747,s.

Tried to "help " the airport with same real informations about the new 380, and the plane,s figures, but NO INTEREST FROM THE AIRPORT AUTHORITIES AT ALL..

Are also retired pilote,with more than 30 year flying on my back, and have still contact with Airbus Industries in Tolouse, and get these informations for soon 10 year, to give FOR FREE to Airport responsible persons, but " everybody knows all these figures and numbers (weight ) were the reply ".

NOBODY WERE EVEN INTERESTED !

Maybe to much fact, AND NO MONEY UNDER THE TABLE ???

Maybe we all remember one of the runway where 50 or 60 meter to short, om opening.

Remember ALL THE DALAY IN THE BUILDING ALSO, and THE CLOSING AGAIN OF THE AIRPORT.

To many who who sit on their horses, and know,s a lot !

It,s time to clean up, and "install competent personnel " on the airport authorities, if ThaIland will keep the top position as main hub in Asia..

Not calculated?? It was explained up and down 100 times, how it was not built according to the specifications to save money. But it was paid full.

As they told the airport was one of the most corrupt project in Thai history. They told: there wasn't even a single pencil that was bought without corruption.

If I recall right it was less Thaksin than his wife who got most of it.

[bbradsby]

Typical Thai bullsh!t...I had a mate fly into Bangkok Monday, 11-June on United Airlines (LAX-BKK). First, the pilot explains that they must fly a "holding" pattern over Suvarnabhumi for one hour. Then, after that one hour expired, the pilot explains that they must land at Don Muang because the airplane does not have enough fuel to maintain further holding pattern. The flight lands at Don Muang, and then another 45 minute delay after refueling. How would this a$$hat explain this one, haha?

Will second that. I flew in Monday night around 11:00PM via Thai Airways from KL... half-hour delay due to runway repairs. The airport was essentially empty.

[MikeOboe57]

Typical Thai bullsh!t...I had a mate fly into Bangkok Monday, 11-June on United Airlines (LAX-BKK). First, the pilot explains that they must fly a "holding" pattern over Suvarnabhumi for one hour. Then, after that one hour expired, the pilot explains that they must land at Don Muang because the airplane does not have enough fuel to maintain further holding pattern. The flight lands at Don Muang, and then another 45 minute delay after refueling. How would this a$$hat explain this one, haha?

Will second that. I flew in Monday night around 11:00PM via Thai Airways from KL... half-hour delay due to runway repairs. The airport was essentially empty.

At night the 2nd runway is completely closed - 50% capacity

[bangkokbruce]

I flew into Suvarnabhumi airport the second day it was open and it was a nightmare and still is just about everytime I fly in or out. For one, they used a sub-standard base rock underneath the runway which caused pre-mature cracking due to the weight of the aircraft and constant temperature changes. I still don't recall anyone being held accountable for that as it got "swept under the rug" like every other catastophe this country experiences. This is why you will see constant repair work being done on the runways and ramps, it will NEVER end. This whole airport is a joke and riddled with corruption. The people that work there hate their jobs because of the constant corruption and complaints from tourist and they all look the other way like Somchai does. Notice how he tried to take the focus off the runway repairs and led the media to his new body scanners to take the focus off the massive delays this airport will experience in the future. 95% of Thai's live in denial and have fake smiles these days and accept corruption as a way of life. Welcome to Hellkok! Yes...Hellkok Even my Thai wife is fed up with it all and don't want to come back from Phan.