Countdown for airport opening

The next 24 hours will require the activation of multiple supply chains and mobilisation of huge logistics resources to manage the change-over between old and new airports. Already, convoys of large transport vehicles are relocating old ground handling equipment from Don Muang airport in readiness for immediate use or refurbishment.

There is a marked difference between the new facilities and pristine equipment specially purchased for the new facility compared to the older equipment. Disposal and reverse-logistics programmes will need to be put in place for equipment not required.

Final fit-out of offices and working locations is being undertaken in readiness for the new airport operators. These include airline representatives, cargo handlers, ground-support agents, customs, immigration, security, fire services, freight forwarders, catering, air-traffic control, airport authorities, fuelling services and transport providers.

Each of these will require activation of its own respective supply chains and business rules, such as directing what inventory suppliers need to provide and what supporting information and systems are needed.

Passenger-terminal agents and cargo operators will be activating their connections to airline host systems, air-traffic control arrival information, security, customs, and internal baggage and inventory control systems. Catering facilities will be stocking cool-rooms with fresh produce; fuel farms will be undertaking final quality control and calibration measurements. Fire teams will be testing their new vehicles and emergency response systems.

Respective airlines are now positioning their spare but very limited air-cargo containers to the new airport to build up an additional pool in anticipation of shipping product immediately after the new airport opens.

Immigration will be updating multiple working permits to reflect the new work location for foreigners. Security passes and customs documentation control are being implemented to control people access and air-cargo movements. Security agencies are checking they have enough stock to print the huge number of new special passes and access tags.

Communications providers are ensuring that land lines have been installed and numbers advised to allow the numerous business cards of users to be printed. Mobile-network providers need to ensure that sufficient capacity is available with adequate coverage and penetration of the new facilities.

Managing the multiple financial supply chains of the new airport will be a critical success factor. The timely payment for many contractors, service providers and staff will depend on the efficiency of newly established financial chains. Airport operators depend on revenue from multiple sources such as landing fees, ground and cargo handling charges, taxes and duties and facility rental.

Many of the respective financial systems that are required for the efficient flow of revenue are still to be activated.

Thailand has reached a major milestone. The new airport facilities and infrastructure are quite awe-inspiring and no longer have the atmosphere of a construction site - but that of a brand-new airport. The goal ahead will be to establish confidence in airport safety, security and efficiency in the eyes of the international community, aviation industry, passengers and shippers.