Jetstar ready for Suvarnabhumi opening

Jetstar Asia’s chief executive officer Chong Phit Lian is confident that everything will be ready when the company lands the first international commercial flights at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday.

“During test runs, the luggage claim took only 10 minutes, which was quite fascinating, and we are certain that our flights will run smoothly on Friday,” said Chong.

Jetstar will begin operating three daily flights between Singapore and Bangkok on September 15, becoming the first airline to offer international commercial service at Suvarnabhumi Airport. National carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) also begins domestic flights from the new airport on Friday.

THAI earlier this month conducted international test runs from the new airport between Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Airlines are expected to shift all domestic and international flight service from Bangkok International Airport (Don Muang) to Suvarnabhumi Airport by September 28.

On board one of the Jetstar flights on Friday will be Jetstar Australia CEO Alan Joyce.

Jetstar is a low cost airline that began flying in 2004. The company’s Australian operation is wholly owned by Qantas, but is managed independently. The Asian operation is a Singapore-based partnership between Qantas, local businessmen Tony Chew and FF Wong, and Temasek Holdings.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said Wednesday that the airport meets multiple international standards and criteria, including modern administrative and security systems, and ample duty free.

His statements were made while presiding over the opening of both the Suvarnabhumi Airport Media Centre and the International Broadcasting Centre at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport hotel.

He also emphasised that tourism will improve following the airport’s opening on September 28.

“Suvarnabhumi Airport is the right answer to promote Thailand as the regional centre, especially for tourism. The National Economic and Social Development Board predict annual revenue generated by tourism will total one trillion baht within five years,” said Suriya.

Suvarnabhumi Airport is a new chapter in Asian and global aviation, according to the deputy PM, because it confirms Thailand’s potential to become a regional hub.

“It is one of the most modern airports in the world with multiple distinctive features, including beautiful architecture and a great location. It will serve as a centre for connecting flights to different parts of the world. In short, it is ready to be both passenger and cargo hub,” said Suriya.

He added that the media centre is crucial for disseminating information about the airport and reinforcing it readiness after a 40-year wait, 21 governments and 14 prime ministers.