Bangkok Airways’ first flight from Suvarnabhumi a success

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok Airways successfully completed its first commercial flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport on Thursday.

Flight PG 600 left Suvarnabhumi Airport at 7.10 AM and arrived at Sukothai Airport in northern Thailand at 8.20 AM, as scheduled.

“Everything went well. Passenger check-in took only 30 seconds per person. It was quite fast because of the new technology in place,” said Nijjapat Piyapant, deputy director of ground operations at Bangkok Airways.

After testing, the airline is 90 percent ready to provide service at Suvarnabhumi Airport, according to Nijjapat.

Suvarnabhumi will begin full international and domestic services on September 28, as Bangkok International Airport (Don Muang) retires after 80 years.

“There may be slight inconveniences during the new airport’s first few months of operation, but after six months everything will be running smoothly,” said Nijjapat.

Bangkok Airways is only operating selected flights at Suvarnabhumi Airport, keeping most of its operation at Don Muang until the change over on September 28. Thai Airways International and low cost airline Jetstar have made similar moves as part of the airport’s soft opening.

--TNA 2006-09-21

I wonder if the check in only took 30 seconds per person because the airport is not fully open yet. Less queues and more staff?