Bangkok--1 Sep--Thai Airways International
Today (1st September 2006), Thai Airways International Public Company Limited operates four pilot international flights at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Flg. Off. Apinan Sumanaseni, THAI’s President said that THAI will operate pilot international flights at Suvarnabhumi Airport in order to ensure the readiness of overall airport’s operational system for passenger services. In previous THAI’s pilot flights to Suvarnabhumi Airport, including the first Technical Flights in September last year and the first commercial domestic flights operated in July 2006, Suvarnabhumi Airport has proven to be ready for its official opening on 28th September 2006.
In addition, THAI’s pilot international flights to Suvarnabhumi have been arranged to prepare for necessary airport operational system such as the check-in process, passenger aircraft boarding, baggage handling, immigration and all international traveling formalities. Ground transportation both within the airport and nearby areas will also be monitored in order to ensure that the transportation will be ready when the new airport is officially open.
Passengers on THAI’s pilot international flights include THAI’s employees as well as other organizations involved in the airports’ operations, including Airports of Thailand (AOT), Aeronautical Radio of Thailand and member of the media.
Details of THAI’s pilot flights are as follows:
1. Suvarnabhumi — Singapore v.v.
- Utilize Airbus 300-600 aircraft, capable of accommodating total 247 seats; 201 Business Class / 46Economy Class.
Flight Route Departure Arrival
TG8816 Suvarnabhumi — Singapore 09.10 hrs. 12.30 hrs.
TG8817 Singapore — Suvarnabhumi 14.30 hrs. 15.55 hrs.
2. Suvarnabhumi — Hong Kong v.v.
- Utilize Boeing 747-400 aircraft, capable of accommodating total 389 seats; 50 Business Class / 325 Economy Class.
Flight Route Departure Arrival
TG8814 Suvarnabhumi — Hong Kong 09.10 hrs. 12.55 hrs.
TG8815 Hong Kong — Suvarnabhumi 14.15 hrs. 15.55 hrs.
THAI will begin operating domestic flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport on 3 routes, at a total of 5 flights, on the route Bangkok — Phitsanulok (3 flights), Bangkok — Ubon Ratchathani (1 flight), and Bangkok — Chiang Mai (1 flight), effective 15 September 2006 onwards. Domestic flights other than those mentioned above will continue to operate from Bangkok International Airport (Don Muang), based on original operation plans. The company will migrate its operation center to Suvarnabhumi Airport on 28 September 2006.