Airport Rail Link set to be in service mid-2010

Airport Rail Link train: Flickr.com

The 28-kilometre Airport Rail Link connecting Suvarnabhumi Airport with the city centre will be fully operational within the next six months, mid-2010, at the latest, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Friday.

Speaking after presiding over a special test run of the Airport Rail Link with members of his cabinet, Mr Abhisit said his transport minister Sophon Zarum has given assurances that the Airport Rail Link’s commercial service could be in operation as early as March or mid-2010 at latest.

Airport Rail Link train to be fully operational in another 3 months

Airport Rail Link train: Flickr.com

The high-speed electric trains connecting the heart of Bangkok with Suvarnabhumi airport will be officially operational in the next three months, according to the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, stated during his weekly talk show” Confidence in Thailand with Prime Minister Abhisit”, that the Airport Rail Link could start its commercial service in three months with a maximum fare of approximately 150 baht. He said the fare was deemed as very low for a 15 minute ride on the 28 kilometre long route.

Airline business booms in Phuket

Photo: skyscrapercity.com

Following the plan by public and private agencies to enlarge Phuket International Airport, Thailand’s second largest airport after Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi, for passenger comfort and improved facilities, the airline business is showing every sign of going well, especially when a number of air carriers are moving forward with their proactive marketing strategies for the upcoming tourism season of the Andaman coastline.

Thai AirAsia, the Thai subsidiary of Malaysia-based low-cost carrier AirAsia, has designated Phuket as its second hub linking the new routes flying from and to the province, while it has launched additional charter flights servicing Phuket–Hong Kong, Phuket–Singapore, and Phuket–Indonesia’s Medan routes.

AOT to open the service center for Haj pilgrims

Suvarnabhumi Airport

The Airports of Thailand (AOT) opened a service center to serve pilgrims on their journeys to perform Haj this year at Suvarnabhumi Airport at the hall on the 4th floor of the departure terminal. There will be supporting personnel to serve all departing flights as well as car parking for pilgrims and their relatives. This year over 6,000 travelers are expected to leave for the Haj.

Mr. Nirun Teeranatsin, Director of AOT, opened of Service Center for the Haj pilgrims to Mecca or Makkah, Saudi Arabia on the 4th floor of the departure terminal. The service starts from 18 October 2009.

SRT conducts first test-run of airport link

The State Railway of Thailand

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) on Wednesday started the first trial run of the airport link from Makkasan station to Suvarnabhumi (See Hotels near Suvarnabhumi airport) International Airport.

AOT joins hands with i-access and AIS to offer “Access flight info of every airline on mobile phone”

AOT launches the service 'Airports Flight Info'

It is to provide people and travelers with convenient and quick access to accurate flight information via AIS based mobile phones anytime and anywhere, together with the debut of Airports Flight Info SIM, a special SIM card designed for air travel business operators, to enhance management potentials, support country’s aviation business and lift Thai airport operations to international standard.

Serirat Prasutanond, President of AOT, disclosed “The AOT’s main policy is to develop management business and operate the respective airports with excellent services and international standard facilities in order to support country development, benefit service users and continually generate fair returns to business alliances, air transportation industry and employees. In particular, such wireless technology as mobile phones has been applied to facilitate the information infrastructure for aviation business as the additional information distribution channel and alternative to access information in response to today’s people lifestyle which is always on the move.

Photos: Thai Silk Road to the World

Supermodels and dignitaries sport in Thai silk in “Thai Silk Road to the World” fashion show to promote Thai silk at Suvarnabhumi Airport Tuesday.

AOT to crack on unauthorized taxis with new information system

Public Taxis at Suvarnabhumi Airport / Photo: bangkoksite.com

The Airports of Thailand company (AOT) has made preparations to install monitors along the Suvarnabhumi Airport’s baggage carousel as a measure to deter unauthorized taxis and guides from taking advantage of travelers.