Suvarnabhumi Airport Will Not Open In July

[Jai Dee]

New airport 'will not be open in July'

Construction delays, cost increases blamed

The contractor has admitted that Suvarnabhumi airport cannot open in July, as caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced, due to delays in construction and cost increases. A source at the Transport Ministry said the new airport could not meet the July opening schedule because many construction jobs were delayed, which held up operational tests.

To speed up construction, parties responsible for the project intend to divert over 40 construction contracts to fast outsourcing, without open bidding contests. The practice could lead to favours of specifications for particular contractors, the source said.

''All parties know that the airport cannot open this July but no one dare speak out, fearing that it could deal a blow to Mr Thaksin, who made the announcement.

''If the opening was postponed until December, those 40 contracts would be subject to open bidding contests,'' the source said.

Many airlines had expressed concern over the delay and doubted the airport would open in July, the source added.

A source in ITO Joint Venture, the constructor of the airport, said it needed another three to four more months to finish work and officials responsible for the project were already aware of the situation.

A source at Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) said that, apart from delayed construction, ITO Joint Venture was demanding an additional six billion baht from AOT for increasing construction work at the new Bangkok airport.

The joint venture led by Italian-Thai Development Plc said it had to do more work than specified in its original contract but AOT has not agreed to the additional sum. The dispute is also delaying completion of the airport.

According to the source, more construction work was assigned because the government wanted to increase the capacity of the new airport from 30 million passengers a year to 45 million.

Higher costs of raw materials also add to the dispute.

To settle the issue, AOT asked a committee of outsiders to examine the additional construction work and compared the cost claim with market prices.

The committee consists of representatives from the Engineering Institute of Thailand, the Association of Siamese Architects, the Council of Engineers, the Office of the Attorney-General, the Comptroller-General's Department and the ministries of transport and commerce.

Earlier the joint venture demanded an extra two billion baht, but the AOT approved only 600 million baht. The final additional cost should not reach the six-billion-baht claim, the source said.

The original cost of the new airport stood at 120 billion baht.

Suvarnabhumi airport director Somchai Sawasdeepon said verification of the extra money claimed would delay the airport's opening but careful consideration was worth the time.

However, caretaker Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal insisted yesterday that the airport could open in July and Don Muang airport would close at that time.

He said luggage conveyors and scanners next to the western runway have been tested, but the tests for those near the eastern runway had just started. The tests will be completed next month.

Signalling systems for aprons and taxi-ways have been tested and the airport hotel will open next month when the public will be welcomed to visit the new airport, he said.

The roofing of the concourse buildings will be replaced in June simultaneously with repairs to leaks in the roof of the airport information management system building.

Tests of aircraft refuelling systems will start next month

Source: Bangkok Post - 8 April 2006

[billd766]

Well well well.

What an unexpected surprise.

[cdnvic]

Anybody surprised?

Another failed pet project of a failed prime minister.

Maybe there's a holdup finishing the new airport's Thailand Elite Card members' lounge

cv

[Tywais]

The contractor has admitted that Suvarnabhumi airport cannot open in July, as caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced, due to delays in construction and cost increases. A source at the Transport Ministry said the new airport could not meet the July opening schedule because many construction jobs were delayed, which held up operational tests.

However, caretaker Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal insisted yesterday that the airport could open in July and Don Muang airport would close at that time.

Curious how a politician seems to know more then the people building it the readiness of the AP.

Edited April 8, 2006 by tywais

[Maejo Man]

New airport 'will not be open in July'

However, caretaker Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal insisted yesterday that the airport could open in July and Don Muang airport would close at that time.

Source: Bangkok Post - 8 April 2006

It always amazes me why Thai government ministers make these ridiculous statements, when they know fool well that everybody will collapse laughing at them.

Don Muang closing in July indeed Did he miss the fact that once the airport is complete and operational, a period of certification takes place, which can take up to six months to complete

[astral]

To speed up construction, parties responsible for the project intend to divert over 40 construction contracts to fast outsourcing, without open bidding contests. The practice could lead to favours of specifications for particular contractors, the source said.

New contracts at this stage................

[britmaveric]

Yes Footingobitiz - bad case and no cure I'm afraid look for airport to open some year, hate to speculate when but prob will be on the kings bday.

[Kerryd]

Yes Footingobitiz - bad case and no cure I'm afraid look for airport to open some year, hate to speculate when but prob will be on the kings bday.

So, what kind of pressure was put on them to delay this announcement until after the election ?

Obviously, if this had come out a couple of weeks ago, it would have meant even fewer votes for the former PM.

[LaoPo]

Mega-projects all over the world are always late and increase heavily in costs.................except.........................

premises for the OLYMPICS, whereever, whenever...they always open in time

LaoPo

Edited April 8, 2006 by LaoPo

[Maejo Man]

Mega-projects all over the world are always late and increase heavily in costs.................except.........................

premises for the OLYMPICS, whereever, whenever...they always open in time

LaoPo

Except.....except...The Greeks They were still finishing minor construction during the opening ceremony. That's cutting it fine

[singa-traz]

To speed up construction, parties responsible for the project intend to divert over 40 construction contracts to fast outsourcing, without open bidding contests. The practice could lead to favours of specifications for particular contractors, the source said.

New contracts at this stage................

Nerver too late to pocket additional commissions.

[Gary A]

I'm sure the new airport will be open by July....................................... I'm just not sure what year.

[1Lucky]

What a joke/embarrassment/disgrace - take your pick.

[ilyushin]

:huh:Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal He makes it up as he goes along!

[Siripon]

Yes Footingobitiz - bad case and no cure I'm afraid look for airport to open some year, hate to speculate when but prob will be on the kings bday.

bbbbut,Brit, your great leader, who you always believe in, promised it would open in time for the King's celebrations ? What went wrong? Were the workers offered another job at Jatujak for the last month?

[britmaveric]

Yes Footingobitiz - bad case and no cure I'm afraid look for airport to open some year, hate to speculate when but prob will be on the kings bday.

bbbbut,Brit, your great leader, who you always believe in, promised it would open in time for the King's celebrations ? What went wrong? Were the workers offered another job at Jatujak for the last month?

Didn't realize Tony Blair had anything to do with the airport opening?

[game4shame]

this airport fiasco makes the new Wembley look like punctual perfection!!!

[tuky]

Yes Footingobitiz - bad case and no cure I'm afraid look for airport to open some year, hate to speculate when but prob will be on the kings bday.

An unamed contracts manager that I often talk to has been telling me over the last two years what a joke the place is. He assures me that there is no chance of it opening this year at all.

Just between you and me Brit, he is in the right place to know as well.

The strangest thing is, delays are expected on projects like this. Instead of lying about it, why don't the pollies just tell the truth? got me stumped.

[Greer]

Well of course we all know the real reasons behind telling "porkies" about the completion of any mega-project: political or economic gain.

This happens everywhere - politicians the world over are famous for putting their size 11 in their mouth and then having to do all sorts of contortions to back out of it later when the advice of the real experts is proven to be correct.

I have worked on projects where the "politically correct" opening date is known by the engineers and contractors to be a joke, but try telling that to management - you see we are only the people who actually build the thing - the politicians and senior management have crystal balls - and they play with them all day long!

They KNOW.....

[britmaveric]

Tuky - I realize it, give us a realistic date instead of a fantasy one. I fear the airport will open and it won't be ready - could literally cost lives if its not done right.

[billd766]

I am willing to predict that it WILL be open in my sons lifetime (he is 20 months old) and possibly in my lifetime as I am 61.

On the other hand my son may be old enough to get a job there when he finishes his studies, and before it opens.

[Rinrada]

Rumour going round that they havnt as yet ordered the Ice Making machine for the Thai Airways Business Lounges.. ...

Gin & T with noooooo Ice ...good heavens what next ...LOS has run out of Lemons...peanuts.....cold compresses.......arrgg....doom......

[cdnvic]

Rumour going round that they havnt as yet ordered the Ice Making machine for the Thai Airways Business Lounges.. ...

They'll have to wait until they find an MP with shares in an ice vending company

Watching Thai infrastructure projects come together is like eatching the circus without the tent. Plenty of clowns, plenty of laughs, and the program never changes

cv

[Jai Dee]

Civil Aviation Department expects to issue license for Suvarnabhumi airport within mid-May

The Department of Civil Aviation is preparing to issue a license for conducting commercial flights for Suvarnabhumi airport within mid-May.

Director-General Chaiyasak Angsuwan (ชัยศักดิ์ อังสุวรรณ) said the department is currently looking over the manual provided by the Airports of Thailand Plc. He expects the license to be issued by mid-May, in time for the commercial opening of the airport in July. However he said that should the license not be issued in time for the commercial opening then the airport would still be able to open for flights, as the license only applied to the airport's standard and would not affect airlines' flights.

Mr. Chaiyasak further said that after the commercial opening, the Airports of Thailand Plc. is expected to earn a 10% increase in operating revenue.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 April 2006

[jdinasia]

and who are the major stockholders of AOT?

[grahamb]

However he said that should the license not be issued in time for the commercial opening then the airport would still be able to open for flights, as the license only applied to the airport's standard and would not affect airlines' flights.

So, if the commercial license is not ready for the airport because the airport does not meet the required standard, the commercial opening can still go ahead?!

Still, I don't think they have to rush too much if they are not going to get the licence ready by July - I'm with tuky on a 2007 opening date. I heard late-2006 as the earliest possible date (with a prevailing wind, etc.) from people working on it about 6 months ago and an estimate of 2007 from someone working on it in early 2005. Haven't had any updates since then but also haven't seen anything to dispute it.

I read an article in the Bangkok Post today that said:

Caretaker transport minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal has relayed mixed messages over the future of Don Muang airport after the scheduled opening of Suvarnabhumi airport later this year.

<snip>

Mr Pongsak yesterday reiterated that the long-delayed Suvarnabhumi airport would be ready for commercial service in July, but the date for the official opening would be set by the next government.

so who knows when the official date will come out?!

[jdinasia]

Officially? It was last year ..... Still has to pass muster with IATA etc though .... I'd say before the King's BD (think BritM called that first) is right

[Noel]

Surprise, surprise...

Airport '7 months behind schedule'

(TNA) - The director of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport claimed the project was on time and would be ready by next month - but hours later his boss Deputy Transport Minister Chainant Charoensiri said the controversial airport would not be ready before 2007.

It will take at least seven months to give the finishing touches to the airport, said Gen Chainant.

It is impossible for the Suvarnabhumi airport to be opened commercially in June as planned, because it will take seven months to test systems and to complete unfinished work such as furnishing about 200 shops in the passenger terminals.

In addition, the specialised heavy-duty canvas used to cover the roof needed repairing and it would take about seven months, he said.

Somchai Sawadeephol, the airport director, said just hours earlier that everything at the airport was excellent, the last testing of the Information Management System (AIMS) was under way, and finishing touches and all decorating would be finished by the end of next month.

Mr Somchai said the Airports of Thailand Plc has approved the decoration plans, and airlines have submitted their documents for moving their offices into the airport. He said there has been much progress overall.

Gen Chainant begged to differ. The state-of-the-art IT connections for about 40 systems have not been completed and each system and the overall system must be tested prior to the airport's functional opening, he said.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will inspect Suvarnabhumi Airport before the commercial opening, Gen Chainant said. It is too soon to talk about the commercial opening now. - (BP, TNA)

Source: Bangkok Post Breaking News

Edited April 14, 2006 by Noel

[Don_Muang_Man]

When is anything on-time in Thailand ?

8 yrs to build BTS.

5 - 7 yrs to build Subway.

BTS is only 5 years old and never extended.

If one says 5:00pm be lucky if it's actully even 5:30 or 6:00.

Delays are almost part of the hidden vocabulary.

Slow construction is typical.

1yr and then some to build a small bridge just 400 meters long, and still not done.

2 years or more to build a house.

[Losangels]

Ofcourse noting is on time in Thailand.

If someone is late for an appointment you got the bad traffic as an excuse.

Delay opening of the airport? You got the ministry of clowns as an excuse.

Mai pen rai, jai yen yen.