About Opening The Airport Of Samui For Other Airlines

[SamuiRep]

Hello People,

Hope, you all had a great New-yearnight....

here is just something different,

i've read in a Samui newspaper, that the Airport of Samui would be open from march to other airlines as well.

I've read, thai airways will have to flights daily and airasia will come also.

1 week ago, i have heard, this will not happen & Bangkokair will still keep the Airport just for them.

The capacity of USM shall be able to handle 70 flights a day, but now only 34 flights a day departure & arrival.

Does know anybody about this Project ?

happy new Year to all,

Samui Rep

[Samui Coconut]

Hello People,

Hope, you all had a great New-yearnight....

here is just something different,

i've read in a Samui newspaper, that the Airport of Samui would be open from march to other airlines as well.

I've read, thai airways will have to flights daily and airasia will come also.

1 week ago, i have heard, this will not happen & Bangkokair will still keep the Airport just for them.

The capacity of USM shall be able to handle 70 flights a day, but now only 34 flights a day departure & arrival.

Does know anybody about this Project ?

happy new Year to all,

Samui Rep

Code share with TG yes, however, that does not bring in any more flights and AirAsia is highly unlikely as a budget airline. They would not be able to pay for landing rights with their present fares on other sectors.

[singa-traz]

What's in it for Bangkok Airways?

[Rooo]

The new section of the airport will allow extra flights. To be granted 74 movements a day , BKK Air simply doesn't have the planes.

Of what I understand is the civil authorities have had something to say. BKK Air have opened the airport, grant them that.

But I think this goes a bit deeper & has to fit in with the overall thought of lifting tourism to Thailand in general & a monopoly doesn't sit well with them. I know there is some sceptics out there , but I strongly believe that with the increase in the number of passengers USM can handle will ultimatly open the door to other airlines.

[Zen]

Heard that the airport at Samui is a private airport owned by Bangkok Airways...that's why only Bangkok Airways flies there...not sure if this is true though.

[Lite Beer]

True

[Florin]

Since Bangkok Airways owns the place, I think they are within their rights to do whatever they want and keep other airlines out...I find their BKK-Siam Reap monopoly the true issue, it's amazing how they are able to keep that going for so long.

[jbaldwin]

Air Asia only flies 737's and A320's. I beleive that the runway at Sumui is too short from either of these to land.

[astral]

The runway is 1800m (5906ft) long,

way too short for the B737 or A320.

[Rooo]

The runway is 1800m (5906ft) long,

way too short for the B737 or A320.

Thai is going to land a 737 here. That was mentioned in several press releases both through Thai Airways & BKK Air.

[cclub75]

I find their BKK-Siam Reap monopoly the true issue, it's amazing how they are able to keep that going for so long.

They must have had some... convincing reasons to present to cambodian officials...

But you're right : that's the real scandal. This sector is so lucrative.

However, this monopoly should end in... 2009.

[Naam]

The runway is 1800m (5906ft) long,

way too short for the B737 or A320.

would have been more or less ok according to the old regulations requiring 6,081 ft. FAA increased minimum runway length for 737s by 15% in june 2006. don't know whether FAA regulations apply to Samui airport.

[Rooo]

Didn't they just finish extending the runway?

[Samui Coconut]

737's yes, however with reduced payload i.e. not fully occupied. The length of the runway is okay, but the weight of the craft could be a problem for the runway.

[Gatorade]

The runway is 1800m (5906ft) long,

way too short for the B737 or A320.

Where did you find that Gem? The Crown Prince regularly flies his 737-400 into Samui.

In any case the physical runway length of Samui is long enough for a B737-400 and -800 both of which are planned by TG. The main restrictions are in the bearing strength of the runway and any obstacles in the Take off and landing funnel.

All 737 variants have the performance to operate into Samui but they will have to reduce either payload or fuel. Since the sector planned is short a reduced fuel load should not affect passenger capacity.

[Florin]

A bit off topic, but Gatorade, where have you heard of 737-800s being operated by TG? I've never seen or heard of one...

[highdiver]

The runway is 1800m (5906ft) long,

way too short for the B737 or A320.

Where did you find that Gem? The Crown Prince regularly flies his 737-400 into Samui.

In any case the physical runway length of Samui is long enough for a B737-400 and -800 both of which are planned by TG. The main restrictions are in the bearing strength of the runway and any obstacles in the Take off and landing funnel.

All 737 variants have the performance to operate into Samui but they will have to reduce either payload or fuel. Since the sector planned is short a reduced fuel load should not affect passenger capacity.

I beg to differ on your conclusions.

And while reading this post could not avoid differing on many others as well.

Here are some facts for you to consider.

1. the crown prince has never flowen a boing 737-400 in Samui. if you read on you understand why

2. according to the "runways analysis manual" and the TO- 01(pilot manual) by Boing industries for all 737 models. the runway at all payloads minimum requirements are: 8000-8900 feet (way above the existing airport in Samui.)

3. the runway in Samui is not only short it is not wide enough. and not thick enough. a full 737 at a 162 passenge configuration will damage the runway. even on full blown weels.

the runway is in fact 6000 feet (2100meters)

4. the data of samui airport is:

Name: Samui Airport - VTSM

Coordinates: 09*32.3' N x 100*04' E

Frequency: 127.75 approach // 118.9 tower // 121.9 ground // 128.6 ATIS

Runway Heading: 17/35

Length: 2,100 meters

acft: A, B, C1

As the 737 and the Airbus 320 are C3 class jets, the current Samui runway configuration is not set for those planes.

5. the considerations for take of and landing on a runway, as any pilot knows,will be made by a table according to the planes configuration and will consider as well as weight the ground tempreture and tail or head wind.

Flying is a very precise science specialy with all the safety restrictions on comercial airlines. at the present state Samui can only host the planes operated by bangkok airlines.

6. As Samui is a private airport and as Thai airways have no desire to buy a new fleet of planes just to be able to fly to samui hence the code share agreement.

At this time any aircraft that wants to land in samui can do so as long as its configuration is suitable to the runway. it will also need to pay landing fees and fuling fees to Bangkok Air.

[Rooo]

The runway is 1800m (5906ft) long,

way too short for the B737 or A320.

Where did you find that Gem? The Crown Prince regularly flies his 737-400 into Samui.

In any case the physical runway length of Samui is long enough for a B737-400 and -800 both of which are planned by TG. The main restrictions are in the bearing strength of the runway and any obstacles in the Take off and landing funnel.

All 737 variants have the performance to operate into Samui but they will have to reduce either payload or fuel. Since the sector planned is short a reduced fuel load should not affect passenger capacity.

I beg to differ on your conclusions.

And while reading this post could not avoid differing on many others as well.

Here are some facts for you to consider.

1. the crown prince has never flowen a boing 737-400 in Samui. if you read on you understand why

2. according to the "runways analysis manual" and the TO- 01(pilot manual) by Boing industries for all 737 models. the runway at all payloads minimum requirements are: 8000-8900 feet (way above the existing airport in Samui.)

3. the runway in Samui is not only short it is not wide enough. and not thick enough. a full 737 at a 162 passenge configuration will damage the runway. even on full blown weels.

the runway is in fact 6000 feet (2100meters)

4. the data of samui airport is:

Name: Samui Airport - VTSM

Coordinates: 09*32.3' N x 100*04' E

Frequency: 127.75 approach // 118.9 tower // 121.9 ground // 128.6 ATIS

Runway Heading: 17/35

Length: 2,100 meters

acft: A, B, C1

As the 737 and the Airbus 320 are C3 class jets, the current Samui runway configuration is not set for those planes.

5. the considerations for take of and landing on a runway, as any pilot knows,will be made by a table according to the planes configuration and will consider as well as weight the ground tempreture and tail or head wind.

Flying is a very precise science specialy with all the safety restrictions on comercial airlines. at the present state Samui can only host the planes operated by bangkok airlines.

6. As Samui is a private airport and as Thai airways have no desire to buy a new fleet of planes just to be able to fly to samui hence the code share agreement.

At this time any aircraft that wants to land in samui can do so as long as its configuration is suitable to the runway. it will also need to pay landing fees and fuling fees to Bangkok Air.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/Business/04Jan2007_biz45.php

AVIATION BANGKOK AIRWAYS

Fleet expanding to tap regional and premium markets

Highdiver, according to this article in today's Bangkok Post , they are phasing out the 4 ---717's.Does that mean the A319 can land here? Otherwise we will only be left with the ATR"S.

Edited January 3, 2007 by Rooo

[Samui Coconut]

The runway is 1800m (5906ft) long,

way too short for the B737 or A320.

Where did you find that Gem? The Crown Prince regularly flies his 737-400 into Samui.

In any case the physical runway length of Samui is long enough for a B737-400 and -800 both of which are planned by TG. The main restrictions are in the bearing strength of the runway and any obstacles in the Take off and landing funnel.

All 737 variants have the performance to operate into Samui but they will have to reduce either payload or fuel. Since the sector planned is short a reduced fuel load should not affect passenger capacity.

I beg to differ on your conclusions.

And while reading this post could not avoid differing on many others as well.

Here are some facts for you to consider.

1. the crown prince has never flowen a boing 737-400 in Samui. if you read on you understand why

2. according to the "runways analysis manual" and the TO- 01(pilot manual) by Boing industries for all 737 models. the runway at all payloads minimum requirements are: 8000-8900 feet (way above the existing airport in Samui.)

3. the runway in Samui is not only short it is not wide enough. and not thick enough. a full 737 at a 162 passenge configuration will damage the runway. even on full blown weels.

the runway is in fact 6000 feet (2100meters)

4. the data of samui airport is:

Name: Samui Airport - VTSM

Coordinates: 09*32.3' N x 100*04' E

Frequency: 127.75 approach // 118.9 tower // 121.9 ground // 128.6 ATIS

Runway Heading: 17/35

Length: 2,100 meters

acft: A, B, C1

As the 737 and the Airbus 320 are C3 class jets, the current Samui runway configuration is not set for those planes.

5. the considerations for take of and landing on a runway, as any pilot knows,will be made by a table according to the planes configuration and will consider as well as weight the ground tempreture and tail or head wind.

Flying is a very precise science specialy with all the safety restrictions on comercial airlines. at the present state Samui can only host the planes operated by bangkok airlines.

6. As Samui is a private airport and as Thai airways have no desire to buy a new fleet of planes just to be able to fly to samui hence the code share agreement.

At this time any aircraft that wants to land in samui can do so as long as its configuration is suitable to the runway. it will also need to pay landing fees and fuling fees to Bangkok Air.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/Business/04Jan2007_biz45.php

AVIATION BANGKOK AIRWAYS

Fleet expanding to tap regional and premium markets

Highdiver, according to this article in today's Bangkok Post , they are phasing out the 4 ---717's.Does that mean the A319 can land here? Otherwise we will only be left with the ATR"S.

So what aircraft does HRH fly when coming to Samui ? I have seen him several times, but can not accurately pinpoint the aircraft type. Please enlighten us.......

[Gatorade]

A bit off topic, but Gatorade, where have you heard of 737-800s being operated by TG? I've never seen or heard of one...

Sorry, TG were looking at future plans. But the 400 is on the cards.

[Gatorade]

The runway is 1800m (5906ft) long,

way too short for the B737 or A320.

Where did you find that Gem? The Crown Prince regularly flies his 737-400 into Samui.

In any case the physical runway length of Samui is long enough for a B737-400 and -800 both of which are planned by TG. The main restrictions are in the bearing strength of the runway and any obstacles in the Take off and landing funnel.

All 737 variants have the performance to operate into Samui but they will have to reduce either payload or fuel. Since the sector planned is short a reduced fuel load should not affect passenger capacity.

I beg to differ on your conclusions.

And while reading this post could not avoid differing on many others as well.

Here are some facts for you to consider.

1. the crown prince has never flowen a boing 737-400 in Samui. if you read on you understand why

2. according to the "runways analysis manual" and the TO- 01(pilot manual) by Boing industries for all 737 models. the runway at all payloads minimum requirements are: 8000-8900 feet (way above the existing airport in Samui.)

3. the runway in Samui is not only short it is not wide enough. and not thick enough. a full 737 at a 162 passenge configuration will damage the runway. even on full blown weels.

the runway is in fact 6000 feet (2100meters)

4. the data of samui airport is:

Name: Samui Airport - VTSM

Coordinates: 09*32.3' N x 100*04' E

Frequency: 127.75 approach // 118.9 tower // 121.9 ground // 128.6 ATIS

Runway Heading: 17/35

Length: 2,100 meters

acft: A, B, C1

As the 737 and the Airbus 320 are C3 class jets, the current Samui runway configuration is not set for those planes.

5. the considerations for take of and landing on a runway, as any pilot knows,will be made by a table according to the planes configuration and will consider as well as weight the ground tempreture and tail or head wind.

Flying is a very precise science specialy with all the safety restrictions on comercial airlines. at the present state Samui can only host the planes operated by bangkok airlines.

6. As Samui is a private airport and as Thai airways have no desire to buy a new fleet of planes just to be able to fly to samui hence the code share agreement.

At this time any aircraft that wants to land in samui can do so as long as its configuration is suitable to the runway. it will also need to pay landing fees and fuling fees to Bangkok Air.

Thank you for the information but you really should check with the BKK Air movements at Samui.

You will find HRH came in here in his 737-400 over a dozen time last year. He also carried out many circuits and landings. There are plenty of readers on this post who will be able to verify this as there was considerable discussion on here at the time.

Whatever 737-400 figures you have obtained...they are wrong!!!!

As a B737-400 qualified pilot I can assure you that at the right reduced weight the aircraft can operate into/out of here. It is both long enough and wide enough. althought I think that there would be quite a crosswind restriction.

Suggest you try and get hold of a performance manual.

Gatorade

[Samui Coconut]

The runway is 1800m (5906ft) long,

way too short for the B737 or A320.

Where did you find that Gem? The Crown Prince regularly flies his 737-400 into Samui.

In any case the physical runway length of Samui is long enough for a B737-400 and -800 both of which are planned by TG. The main restrictions are in the bearing strength of the runway and any obstacles in the Take off and landing funnel.

All 737 variants have the performance to operate into Samui but they will have to reduce either payload or fuel. Since the sector planned is short a reduced fuel load should not affect passenger capacity.

I beg to differ on your conclusions.

And while reading this post could not avoid differing on many others as well.

Here are some facts for you to consider.

1. the crown prince has never flowen a boing 737-400 in Samui. if you read on you understand why

2. according to the "runways analysis manual" and the TO- 01(pilot manual) by Boing industries for all 737 models. the runway at all payloads minimum requirements are: 8000-8900 feet (way above the existing airport in Samui.)

3. the runway in Samui is not only short it is not wide enough. and not thick enough. a full 737 at a 162 passenge configuration will damage the runway. even on full blown weels.

the runway is in fact 6000 feet (2100meters)

4. the data of samui airport is:

Name: Samui Airport - VTSM

Coordinates: 09*32.3' N x 100*04' E

Frequency: 127.75 approach // 118.9 tower // 121.9 ground // 128.6 ATIS

Runway Heading: 17/35

Length: 2,100 meters

acft: A, B, C1

As the 737 and the Airbus 320 are C3 class jets, the current Samui runway configuration is not set for those planes.

5. the considerations for take of and landing on a runway, as any pilot knows,will be made by a table according to the planes configuration and will consider as well as weight the ground tempreture and tail or head wind.

Flying is a very precise science specialy with all the safety restrictions on comercial airlines. at the present state Samui can only host the planes operated by bangkok airlines.

6. As Samui is a private airport and as Thai airways have no desire to buy a new fleet of planes just to be able to fly to samui hence the code share agreement.

At this time any aircraft that wants to land in samui can do so as long as its configuration is suitable to the runway. it will also need to pay landing fees and fuling fees to Bangkok Air.

Thank you for the information but you really should check with the BKK Air movements at Samui.

You will find HRH came in here in his 737-400 over a dozen time last year. He also carried out many circuits and landings. There are plenty of readers on this post who will be able to verify this as there was considerable discussion on here at the time.

Whatever 737-400 figures you have obtained...they are wrong!!!!

As a B737-400 qualified pilot I can assure you that at the right reduced weight the aircraft can operate into/out of here. It is both long enough and wide enough. althought I think that there would be quite a crosswind restriction.

Suggest you try and get hold of a performance manual.

Gatorade

How could he know all that anyway ? He is not a pilot but a 'High' DIVER

[highdiver]

The runway is 1800m (5906ft) long,

way too short for the B737 or A320.

Where did you find that Gem? The Crown Prince regularly flies his 737-400 into Samui.

In any case the physical runway length of Samui is long enough for a B737-400 and -800 both of which are planned by TG. The main restrictions are in the bearing strength of the runway and any obstacles in the Take off and landing funnel.

All 737 variants have the performance to operate into Samui but they will have to reduce either payload or fuel. Since the sector planned is short a reduced fuel load should not affect passenger capacity.

I beg to differ on your conclusions.

And while reading this post could not avoid differing on many others as well.

Here are some facts for you to consider.

1. the crown prince has never flowen a boing 737-400 in Samui. if you read on you understand why

2. according to the "runways analysis manual" and the TO- 01(pilot manual) by Boing industries for all 737 models. the runway at all payloads minimum requirements are: 8000-8900 feet (way above the existing airport in Samui.)

3. the runway in Samui is not only short it is not wide enough. and not thick enough. a full 737 at a 162 passenge configuration will damage the runway. even on full blown weels.

the runway is in fact 6000 feet (2100meters)

4. the data of samui airport is:

Name: Samui Airport - VTSM

Coordinates: 09*32.3' N x 100*04' E

Frequency: 127.75 approach // 118.9 tower // 121.9 ground // 128.6 ATIS

Runway Heading: 17/35

Length: 2,100 meters

acft: A, B, C1

As the 737 and the Airbus 320 are C3 class jets, the current Samui runway configuration is not set for those planes.

5. the considerations for take of and landing on a runway, as any pilot knows,will be made by a table according to the planes configuration and will consider as well as weight the ground tempreture and tail or head wind.

Flying is a very precise science specialy with all the safety restrictions on comercial airlines. at the present state Samui can only host the planes operated by bangkok airlines.

6. As Samui is a private airport and as Thai airways have no desire to buy a new fleet of planes just to be able to fly to samui hence the code share agreement.

At this time any aircraft that wants to land in samui can do so as long as its configuration is suitable to the runway. it will also need to pay landing fees and fuling fees to Bangkok Air.

Thank you for the information but you really should check with the BKK Air movements at Samui.

You will find HRH came in here in his 737-400 over a dozen time last year. He also carried out many circuits and landings. There are plenty of readers on this post who will be able to verify this as there was considerable discussion on here at the time.

Whatever 737-400 figures you have obtained...they are wrong!!!!

As a B737-400 qualified pilot I can assure you that at the right reduced weight the aircraft can operate into/out of here. It is both long enough and wide enough. althought I think that there would be quite a crosswind restriction.

Suggest you try and get hold of a performance manual.

Gatorade

Dear Gatorade

thank you for your reply but once again i must beg to differ on your conclusions.

1. I have checked for personal buisness reasons with the samui controll tower and bkk operations and the answer was very simple: Can Not

2. The plane flown by HRH to samui is a modified private 737-400 or as called in the industry a variant. and it actually is a part of the Boing buisness jet family. wich is shorter and has a very low pay load..and even so was pushing the risk of landing in Samui. guys at the civil aviaition were not to happy about this... but he is the prince and can do what he wants.

The Samui runway is 45 meters and is 15 meters below the sugested Runway for a 737.

It is possible to land the plane and take of. but as a pilot in a comerial airline you dont take this risk.

3. THAI is proposing to operate two flights a day using a Boeing 737-400, but because of payload restrictions on Samui's runway, they would onlybe able fly maximum 100 passengers per flight, and no cargo. once again the civil aviation guys and BKK are not happy with that. afer examing this option thai airways have decided to make a share code then risk it.

4. As a qulified pilot I am sure you know that Samui elevation is sea level and that ground tempreture is about 25-30C

i am also sure that as you fly 737-400 you must have the operational manual for the plane on hand. I suggest you look at the

tables and figure out if a payload of 100 passengers and fuel and ocaassional cross winds is not "pushing the envelope...

after all the intention is not to land an empty plane but to have it comercialy viable. and at that payload its "running on ice".

if you dont have it then have a look at the following site from Boing

http://www.boeing.com/commercial/airports/acaps/737sec3.pdf

as well as the landing and take of for 737 models it has all the other considerations of an airport that Samui is not realy up to standards.

5. As a pilot you must know that all the above is just "pilot talk" and "show off" and that at the end of the day its the people of the

Civil aviation that need to make the decision on risk factors of flying in to Samui a 737-400. if you want the opinon from them then call them and ask to fly a 737-400 in comercial configuration into Samui.

Department of Civil Aviation, Thailand, 2005. 71 Soi Ngarmduplee, Rama IV Road, Thung Mahamek, Sathorn, Bangkok, 10120, THAILAND Tel. +66 (0) 2287-0320-9

for all our other readers I must admit that i look forward to having the airport host more planes but BKK is doing nothing to make the airport suitable as they have comercial considerations to keep it.

for samui to be able to accept larger Jets it needs to be widened to 60 meters and lengthend by at least 700 meters.

[Gatorade]

The runway is 1800m (5906ft) long,

way too short for the B737 or A320.

Where did you find that Gem? The Crown Prince regularly flies his 737-400 into Samui.

In any case the physical runway length of Samui is long enough for a B737-400 and -800 both of which are planned by TG. The main restrictions are in the bearing strength of the runway and any obstacles in the Take off and landing funnel.

All 737 variants have the performance to operate into Samui but they will have to reduce either payload or fuel. Since the sector planned is short a reduced fuel load should not affect passenger capacity.

I beg to differ on your conclusions.

And while reading this post could not avoid differing on many others as well.

Here are some facts for you to consider.

1. the crown prince has never flowen a boing 737-400 in Samui. if you read on you understand why

2. according to the "runways analysis manual" and the TO- 01(pilot manual) by Boing industries for all 737 models. the runway at all payloads minimum requirements are: 8000-8900 feet (way above the existing airport in Samui.)

3. the runway in Samui is not only short it is not wide enough. and not thick enough. a full 737 at a 162 passenge configuration will damage the runway. even on full blown weels.

the runway is in fact 6000 feet (2100meters)

4. the data of samui airport is:

Name: Samui Airport - VTSM

Coordinates: 09*32.3' N x 100*04' E

Frequency: 127.75 approach // 118.9 tower // 121.9 ground // 128.6 ATIS

Runway Heading: 17/35

Length: 2,100 meters

acft: A, B, C1

As the 737 and the Airbus 320 are C3 class jets, the current Samui runway configuration is not set for those planes.

5. the considerations for take of and landing on a runway, as any pilot knows,will be made by a table according to the planes configuration and will consider as well as weight the ground tempreture and tail or head wind.

Flying is a very precise science specialy with all the safety restrictions on comercial airlines. at the present state Samui can only host the planes operated by bangkok airlines.

6. As Samui is a private airport and as Thai airways have no desire to buy a new fleet of planes just to be able to fly to samui hence the code share agreement.

At this time any aircraft that wants to land in samui can do so as long as its configuration is suitable to the runway. it will also need to pay landing fees and fuling fees to Bangkok Air.

Thank you for the information but you really should check with the BKK Air movements at Samui.

You will find HRH came in here in his 737-400 over a dozen time last year. He also carried out many circuits and landings. There are plenty of readers on this post who will be able to verify this as there was considerable discussion on here at the time.

Whatever 737-400 figures you have obtained...they are wrong!!!!

As a B737-400 qualified pilot I can assure you that at the right reduced weight the aircraft can operate into/out of here. It is both long enough and wide enough. althought I think that there would be quite a crosswind restriction.

Suggest you try and get hold of a performance manual.

Gatorade

Dear Gatorade

thank you for your reply but once again i must beg to differ on your conclusions.

1. I have checked for personal buisness reasons with the samui controll tower and bkk operations and the answer was very simple: Can Not

2. The plane flown by HRH to samui is a modified private 737-400 or as called in the industry a variant. and it actually is a part of the Boing buisness jet family. wich is shorter and has a very low pay load..and even so was pushing the risk of landing in Samui. guys at the civil aviaition were not to happy about this... but he is the prince and can do what he wants.

The Samui runway is 45 meters and is 15 meters below the sugested Runway for a 737.

It is possible to land the plane and take of. but as a pilot in a comerial airline you dont take this risk.

3. THAI is proposing to operate two flights a day using a Boeing 737-400, but because of payload restrictions on Samui's runway, they would onlybe able fly maximum 100 passengers per flight, and no cargo. once again the civil aviation guys and BKK are not happy with that. afer examing this option thai airways have decided to make a share code then risk it.

4. As a qulified pilot I am sure you know that Samui elevation is sea level and that ground tempreture is about 25-30C

i am also sure that as you fly 737-400 you must have the operational manual for the plane on hand. I suggest you look at the

tables and figure out if a payload of 100 passengers and fuel and ocaassional cross winds is not "pushing the envelope...

after all the intention is not to land an empty plane but to have it comercialy viable. and at that payload its "running on ice".

if you dont have it then have a look at the following site from Boing

http://www.boeing.com/commercial/airports/acaps/737sec3.pdf

as well as the landing and take of for 737 models it has all the other considerations of an airport that Samui is not realy up to standards.

5. As a pilot you must know that all the above is just "pilot talk" and "show off" and that at the end of the day its the people of the

Civil aviation that need to make the decision on risk factors of flying in to Samui a 737-400. if you want the opinon from them then call them and ask to fly a 737-400 in comercial configuration into Samui.

Department of Civil Aviation, Thailand, 2005. 71 Soi Ngarmduplee, Rama IV Road, Thung Mahamek, Sathorn, Bangkok, 10120, THAILAND Tel. +66 (0) 2287-0320-9

for all our other readers I must admit that i look forward to having the airport host more planes but BKK is doing nothing to make the airport suitable as they have comercial considerations to keep it.

for samui to be able to accept larger Jets it needs to be widened to 60 meters and lengthend by at least 700 meters.

We obviously beg to differ and I will not prolong the debate. However the HRH aircraft is a standard 400 purchased from Aer Lingus around 3 years ago and fitted out with exec configuration and upgraded Navigation equipment. They did not lop anything off the fuselage to make it shorter or upgrade the performance.

Yes I have the Ops Manual and the payload will depend on the WAT (Weight, Altitude, and Temperature) limit.

It will vary but 150 pax and legal reserve fuel should be OK.

Proof of the pudding........etc. We shall see if/when TG actually commit to operate.

[highdiver]

We obviously beg to differ and I will not prolong the debate. However the HRH aircraft is a standard 400 purchased from Aer Lingus around 3 years ago and fitted out with exec configuration and upgraded Navigation equipment. They did not lop anything off the fuselage to make it shorter or upgrade the performance.

Yes I have the Ops Manual and the payload will depend on the WAT (Weight, Altitude, and Temperature) limit.

It will vary but 150 pax and legal reserve fuel should be OK.

Proof of the pudding........etc. We shall see if/when TG actually commit to operate.

you are right we will see if they allow them to land or not in the future. hopefully you are right but the way i read the manual it will not be possible for a 737-400 comercial configuration to land or take with 150 passengers. maybe 60 . but as you said time will tell.

As per HRH plane allow me to once again corect you and bring you up to date.

Until today the RTAF has used four Boeing 737 in the VIP-Role. all the planes were bought directly from Boeing and none of them were bought as second hand planes.

In 1983 the first a Boeing 737-200 was brought and used only for the Royal Family. The Planes of the Royal Family are easily recognisable by the orange Tail. Later the Boeing was used for „normal“ VIP and was painted with a blue Tail. Today it’s no more used ass VIP-Transport therefore the Serial was changed from 22-222 to 60201 indicating a plane from the 602 Sqn.

A second Boeing an 737-300 was brought in 1989. The new Boeing gets the Serial 33-333 as Royal Plane. Sadly the Plane crashed in 1993 after Maintenance near Khon Kaen Airport.

In 1995 a replacement was delivered for the loss of the 33-333 the Boeing 737-4Z6 from boeing business jet . 55-555 was also used for the Royal Family. In October 2005 the plane was given to the Thai Airways International Co. as HS-CMV for the use of the Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. The Boeing 737-4Z6 carried for a period the Serials 90401 (904 Sqn.) and now 11-111.

this is the plane you are referring to and it is not a standard 737-400 but a variant searialed as 4Z6. it is shorter and has a lower payload and has a business jet configuration.

On order is a new Boeing – the fourth, a 737-800. It made its first flight at Seatle WA. at the 17. May 2006. The plane was given to the King at the 5. December 2006 as Birthday present. The serial of the plane can be changed from 55-555 to 88-888.

this too is a variant model and is not the standard model.

[Rooo]

Wow. aren't we laymen out of our depths here. Guys thanks for a great debate & all the info.

[astral]

The source I found gave 10,000ft for the latest 737's fully loaded.

Private ones are a totally different case.

[lomatopo]

I'm fairly certain that the RTAF owns a 737, which was previously owned by Aer Lingus:

http://www.airfleets.net/ficheapp/plane-b737-24866.htm

http://www.planespotters.net/Production_Li.../737/24866.html

http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.sear...inct_entry=true

More photos

http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=...422&nseq=12

Believe this is the the one the Crown Prince usually flies, even to USM.

TG announces service to USM

Was the runway widened/extended?

[ClaudeFeller]

OK, I wanna see the Crown Prince landing on Samui with an irregular 737 packed with tourist folks..

Nice debatte, but the questions are:

- Will there be more tourists coming to Samui because of 2 daily TG flights?

-Will PG be cheaper because of 2 daily TG flights?

My answer: NO