Budget Airlines' Plea To Return To Don Muang Rejected

Budget airlines' plea to return to Don Muang rejected

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's aviation authorities on Wednesday rejected a plea by budget air carriers to return their operations to the former Bangkok International Airport at Don Muang, saying that the move would double official expenses to keep two airports in operation.

Department of Aviation director-general Chaisak Angkasuwan said he disagreed with the call from economy airlines to move their operations back to the old airport from the recently opened Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The reduced-fare airlines have reportedly been unhappy with the higher cost they are encountering at the new airport, in particularly the fees for parking aircraft.

Mr. Chaisak said allowing low cost airliners to return to the old facility would not be cost effective for Airports of Thailand (AOT) as it would have to maintain both airports.

''It also would not be fair to other commercial airlines in terms of competition," he explained. "And it would be contrary to our policy to move toward liberalising the air transport business.''

Meanwhile, Chotisak Asapaviriya, AOT president, said AOT plans to consider a reduction in aircraft parking fees for airlines.

He said he will meet with representatives of the airlines to discuss their demand for a lower rate on Friday (October 20).

At Suvarnabhumi Airport, airliners are required to pay a minimum charge per hour even though they may use the parking space for only half an hour.

''AOT is thinking of changing according to the exact time used." he said, "and that would greatly reduce their operation cost.''

--TNA 2006-10-18