Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport must resolve safety and capacity issues: IATA

[webfact]

Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport must resolve safety and capacity issues: IATA

In a press release, IATA’s CEO and Director General Tony Tyler highlighted safety issues at Thailand’s main international gateway as a particular point of concern.

BANGKOK: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Thursday (Feb 18) called on the government of Thailand to address urgently safety, capacity and cost issues to keep Thailand’s aviation sector competitive.

In a press release, IATA’s CEO and Director General Tony Tyler highlighted safety issues at Thailand’s main international gateway as a particular point of concern.

“With over 50 million annual passengers, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport ranks among the top air hubs in the world,” he said. “But it faces several issues which must be resolved.”'

Full story: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/bangkok-s-suvarnabhumi/2526558.html

-- CHANNEL NEWSASIA 2016-02-19

[webfact]

IATA Says Thailand Needs to Do More to Boost Aviation Competitiveness
BY JACOB MASLOW

BANGKOK: -- The IATA (International Air Transport Association) is urging the Thai government to address concerns with capacity, safety and cost to keep its aviation sector competitive.

Tony Tyler, CEO and director general of IATA, said that aviation is critical to the economic success of Thailand, and is the backbone of the tourism industry, but the industry is in jeopardy unless key issues with capacity, costs and safety are urgently addressed.

Mr. Tyler also noted that the IATA estimates 2 million Thai jobs are associated with aviation and related activities, and these activities help generate US$29 billion in GDP. By 2035, the CEO projects that the country could see the sector grow to 3.8 million jobs and GDP of $53 billion; growth that would positively affect the Thai economy as a whole.

The IATA director general stated that the safety oversight concerns raised by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) must be addressed immediately.

Full story: https://ethailand.com/business-news/iata-says-thailand-needs-to-do-more-to-boost-aviation-competitiveness/1588/

-- eThailand 2016-02-19

[PaullyW]

Pesky Farang not understand us!

[Jessi]

TAT will turn this story around.

[NongKhaiKid]

I don't think IATA has any regulatory powers and welcome correction on that point but there are international bodies that do have authority so it's high time they started wielding it as mere words, even threats, have no effect here.

If Thailand ever accepts anything is wrong about a wide range of issues not just aviation the response is a meaningless claim to be doing their best and a request, sometimes demand, for time to deal with things then they do little or nothing until pressure is again exerted and the dance begins again.

[Nigeone]

I don't think IATA has any regulatory powers and welcome correction on that point but there are international bodies that do have authority so it's high time they started wielding it as mere words, even threats, have no effect here.

If Thailand ever accepts anything is wrong about a wide range of issues not just aviation the response is a meaningless claim to be doing their best and a request, sometimes demand, for time to deal with things then they do little or nothing until pressure is again exerted and the dance begins again.

I believe your right although they do seem to have a lot of credibility in the industry and coordinate many aspects and provide a platform for the industry to have a common aim...Its not good if they are then coming out with such a strong statement and only a matter of time till the big boys have there say I'm sure. As always would be interesting to know the specification asked for in the construction of the runways...Am sure it won't be up to what it should have been

[Jessi]

[nong38]

Could lose hub status here.

Be nice to know what the issues are eh?

[exbikey]

Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport must resolve safety and capacity issues: IATA

...

In a press release, IATA’s CEO and Director General Tony Tyler highlighted safety issues at Thailand’s main international gateway as a particular point of concern.

“With over 50 million annual passengers, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport ranks among the top air hubs in the world,” he said. “But it faces several issues which must be resolved.”'

Full story: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/bangkok-s-suvarnabhumi/2526558.html

-- CHANNEL NEWSASIA 2016-02-19

There we go folks it's official. ".....Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airports ranks among the top air HUBS in the world"

Forget about all the other trivial nonsense about safety and capacity they're just words. Next step is to get Mr T. Tyler to announce that Swampy is THE number 1 air hub in the world. I wonder what sort of donuts he likes?

[Srikcir]

“But it faces several issues which must be resolved...it is important that that plans for the third runway continue to move forward.”

The lack of a third runway is a problem the junta can't blame on previous governments.

On 2014-07-03 the NCPO Committee on Public Spending ordered the Airport to suspend expansion plans. Even by then the airport was operating beyond its capacity for flights and passengers. The Junta subsequently approved airport expansion projects including the construction of more terminals, an airport apron, parking buildings, and passenger lounges but no third runway. No explanation has ever been given. Perhaps it's a private land issue.

WIthout the third runway, the entire expansion project is meaningless unless flight safety is disregarded. And that's what the concern is.

[DLock]

There is more male toilets in my local Home Pro than there is in the Domestic baggage claim area....

...and if more than 2 or 3 planes arrive at the same time, it's a real "capacity issue".

Please resolve.

[Mot Dang]

They will never fix the capacity problem unless they build an new run-way AND an adjoining terminal to the current one.

In the last years before International flights moved from the "Don" out to Swampy, a large % of passengers for THAI flights (other nations airlines were mostly uneffected because they penalized the airport if it happened) were bused to and from the planes. Complaints were rife. Several weeks before moving to Swampy, TAT declared no buses will be required at the new airport. Within 2 years it started again, and now look at it. A damn mess. Either the airport design team had it all wrong, or TAT handed out a PR (read BS) exercise worthy of their current form.

Edited February 19, 2016 by Mot Dang

[Caveat Emptor]

All those years ago when Mr. T was PM and actually in the country a THAI pilot with 25 years experience criticised the state of some runways at domestic airports and one in particular but I regret I forget which one.

The Transport Minster inspected the runway in question and found no problem dismissing the pilot's complaint in the process. Of course his aviation experience of siting in free seats made him more competent to judge than a very experienced pilot.

[KMartinHandyman]

I'm actually adapting to thinking Thai Style quite well,,as long as the plane I'm on lands and takes off properly I see no problem.

Not my job,somebody take care and we don't worry pretty well covers any potential concerns of a westerner.

[MZurf]

“But it faces several issues which must be resolved...it is important that that plans for the third runway continue to move forward.”

The lack of a third runway is a problem the junta can't blame on previous governments.

On 2014-07-03 the NCPO Committee on Public Spending ordered the Airport to suspend expansion plans. Even by then the airport was operating beyond its capacity for flights and passengers. The Junta subsequently approved airport expansion projects including the construction of more terminals, an airport apron, parking buildings, and passenger lounges but no third runway. No explanation has ever been given. Perhaps it's a private land issue.

WIthout the third runway, the entire expansion project is meaningless unless flight safety is disregarded. And that's what the concern is.

"The lack of a third runway is a problem the junta can't blame on previous governments."

I think you underestimate the junta and its supporters..

[jaywalker]

There is more male toilets in my local Home Pro than there is in the Domestic baggage claim area....

...and if more than 2 or 3 planes arrive at the same time, it's a real "capacity issue".

Please resolve.

Amen brother.

The toilets at the Mo Chit (no pun intended) bus terminal are 4 times as big as those at Swampy.

Edited February 19, 2016 by jaywalker

[tomross46]

When a news reported, during the term of PM Thaksin, said that the construction of the runways and taxiways were substandard. He was put in jail. It had been rumored that the construction was done using materials that were below requirements. Taxiways were cracked even before certification started..

[Eggerlegger]

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/bangkok-s-suvarnabhumi/2526558.html

Chief among issues that need immediate attention, according to Tyler, are concerns over “soft spots” on the tarmac, taxiways and apron area at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

“These must be permanently resolved,” he said. “Aircraft frequently get ‘stuck’ in the soft surfaces that are the result of sub-standard materials."

He added: “The extra power and towing needed to maneuver through these surfaces is a safety risk to ground personnel, ground vehicles and aircraft. On top of that, frequent surface repairs create congestion.

“The constant resurfacing of the tarmac, taxiways and apron area with asphalt is an unacceptable patchwork solution. We literally need a ‘concrete’ solution.”

If it all feels a bit "squishy" when you're landing thats the reason.

(Maybe this news should go into the mai pen rai discussion thread)

Edited February 19, 2016 by Eggerlegger

[gandalf12]

The "....sub standard materials" says a lot about the construction

[NCC1701A]

There is more male toilets in my local Home Pro than there is in the Domestic baggage claim area....

...and if more than 2 or 3 planes arrive at the same time, it's a real "capacity issue".

Please resolve.

Amen brother.

The toilets at the Mo Chit (no pun intended) bus terminal are 4 times as big as those at Swampy.

"hey mofo, where you live?"

"Mo Chit"

"your momma"

"no, my momma lives in Bang Sue"

sorry, sort of s slow news day.

Edited February 19, 2016 by NCC1701A

[robblok]

“But it faces several issues which must be resolved...it is important that that plans for the third runway continue to move forward.”

The lack of a third runway is a problem the junta can't blame on previous governments.

On 2014-07-03 the NCPO Committee on Public Spending ordered the Airport to suspend expansion plans. Even by then the airport was operating beyond its capacity for flights and passengers. The Junta subsequently approved airport expansion projects including the construction of more terminals, an airport apron, parking buildings, and passenger lounges but no third runway. No explanation has ever been given. Perhaps it's a private land issue.

WIthout the third runway, the entire expansion project is meaningless unless flight safety is disregarded. And that's what the concern is.

"The lack of a third runway is a problem the junta can't blame on previous governments."

I think you underestimate the junta and its supporters..

Nope.. can't blame previous government for that.. however the substandard materials used at the runway and such lies squarely by the previous governments.

So one would say both messed up, but the difference being that one received kickbacks to use substandard materials (why else use them) and the other suspended an extension (making no money on it).

So that is incompetence vs blatant corruption risking passengers lives. Both not good that is for sure.

[Redline]

Mai pen rai! I did notice that Don Mueang has some pretty serious bumps in their runway(s). It's probably from the flooding, but it must beat the shit out of the landing gear and tires.

Maybe they will admit they need outside help, and just get it fixed!

Edited February 19, 2016 by Redline

[Mot Dang]

Mai pen rai! I did notice that Don Mueang has some pretty serious bumps in their runway(s). It's probably from the flooding, but it must beat the shit out of the landing gear and tires.

Maybe they will admit they need outside help, and just get it fixed!

Thai administrations asking for outside help ? Neeeever !

Admission of fault, admission of ineptitude, admission of simply not knowing, is completely contrary to the core beliefs of "Thainess". Loss of face and all that.

The only country the administration MAY go for help/advice nowdays, is mainland China.

[Ricardo]

“But it faces several issues which must be resolved...it is important that that plans for the third runway continue to move forward.”

The lack of a third runway is a problem the junta can't blame on previous governments.

On 2014-07-03 the NCPO Committee on Public Spending ordered the Airport to suspend expansion plans. Even by then the airport was operating beyond its capacity for flights and passengers. The Junta subsequently approved airport expansion projects including the construction of more terminals, an airport apron, parking buildings, and passenger lounges but no third runway. No explanation has ever been given. Perhaps it's a private land issue.

WIthout the third runway, the entire expansion project is meaningless unless flight safety is disregarded. And that's what the concern is.

"but no third runway"

Indeed, and some of us have been saying for several years, lots of hot air but no actual progress.

For example http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/291334-plans-to-build-third-runway-domestic-passenger-terminal-at-suvarnabhumi/ dates from 2009 !

Or http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769031-aot-cuts-budget-for-phase-2-of-suvarnabhumi-expansion/ from 2014,

and as I commented then, the third runway is already part-built, you can see preparatory ground-work in aerial-photos.

https://www.google.co.th/search?q=suvanabhumi+third+runway+photos&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=IM_GVpPjNcW70gTvu4bQDA for more pictures.

Or perhaps this thread in 2012 ? http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/563980-thailands-suvarnabhumi-airport-runway-repairs-delay-100-flights-daily/

The country just seems incapable of actually completing the work needed, with endless reviews & EIAs, but no further construction underway, what on Earth would have happened if they hadn't been able to re-open Don Muang & ramp-up capacity there for the rapidy-growing LCCs ?

[bangon04]

I'm actually adapting to thinking Thai Style quite well,,as long as the plane I'm on lands and takes off properly I see no problem.

Not my job,somebody take care and we don't worry pretty well covers any potential concerns of a westerner.

Try this :

Compared to Singapore Changi international airport, Suvarnabhumi has a few issues which it has to resolve in order to keep believing itself as leading hub in asia..

But we prefer to compare ourselves to Manila or Kathmandu, so no issues worth worrying about after all....

[RaoulDuke]

I don't think IATA has any regulatory powers and welcome correction on that point but there are international bodies that do have authority so it's high time they started wielding it as mere words, even threats, have no effect here.

If Thailand ever accepts anything is wrong about a wide range of issues not just aviation the response is a meaningless claim to be doing their best and a request, sometimes demand, for time to deal with things then they do little or nothing until pressure is again exerted and the dance begins again.

IATA may not have direct power, but they have influence at FAA, which does set many international standards that are copied by other agencies. Fortunately for BKK, they have cut just about all of the direct flights to the USA, so if they get rid of what few direct EU flights they have remaining, they will not have to worry about the FAA or the EU equivalent. As long as they can stay on good terms with the UAE, China, and other east Asian countries, they will be just fine.

[dabhand]

Now getting a mention on the BBC website:

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35613792

[stickylies]

Farang no understand. Thailand not same farangland. Pilot pray Buddha before take off. Him safe.

[geisha]

Bangkok International airport Suvarnabhumi just made the BBC world news !!!!!! Now the whole world will know the state of the airport they will land at .

[gk10002000]

So what does "must resolve" mean? Granted there are issues. But what if they are not fixed? Is the ITA threatening some action? Is there some deadline?