Bangkok--29 Sep--Thai Airways
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited announced that the aircraft relocation and transfer of major equipment and machinery related to ground equipment services and operations at the new airport have been accomplished according to plan, although THAI initially experienced problems with baggage handling when the airport opened on 28 September.
Issues related to check-in services at the new airport have been corrected by THAI and the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited, allowing THAI to operate regular check-in services.
THAI has also assigned a special workforce team from the Information and Ground Customer Services units to assist and provide necessary flight information to passengers and customers in the passenger terminal. In addition, it was requested that flight information screens be installed at key locations within the airport, including at passenger departure gates.
Mr. Wanchai Sarathulthat, THAI’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, furthermore called a Management Meeting in order to correct the problem about passengers’ delay in receiving baggage upon flight arrival on 28 September, which was due to lack of supervision and follow-up to ensure smooth baggage handling. THAI’s Management continue to emphasize high importance on preparation, effective planning, and establish responsible persons through all processes. If any problems are encountered, an alternative plan must be implemented with a responsible person made accountable. Following an investigation, it was concluded that supervision of baggage handling was not effective as instructed by the Management, resulting in an impact on passenger service provision. It was stressed that a situation such as this must not occur again.
Therefore, it was concluded that Mr. Chokchai Panyayong, THAI’s Vice President for Project Development at the New Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi), is hereby assigned to supervise and oversee the operations of the Ground Equipment Services Department, as Acting Managing Director, in order to ensure that there will be no reoccurrence of similar problems in area of baggage handling. Mr. Pethai Boonyaves, THAI’s Managing Director of Ground Equipment Services, is transferred to a position attached to THAI’s Office of the President. Flg.Off. Apinan Sumanaseni, THAI’s President, will closely supervise and monitor the operations of the Ground Equipment Services Department accordingly.
THAI hereby apologizes for any inconvenience that may have been caused due to this situation and will take responsibility in sending baggage to passengers according to the mailing addresses that have been provided to the company.