AIRPORTS OF THAILAND GREEN LIGHTS COUNTRY’S FIRST VIP FBOS

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There was good news for EBACE attendee ASA Group. Airports of Thailand (AOT) has given the go ahead for the Hong Kong based company to develop Thailand’s first world-class fixed base operation (FBO) at Phuket International Airport. The move is a clear indication that the country has overcome its recent troubles when demonstrators seized control of Bangkok’s International Suvarnabhumi airport. Flights were suspended, leaving at least 3,000 passengers stranded.
The state-of-the-art terminal and business centre will accommodate the swelling ranks of VIP visitors to Thailand each year and is expected to be operational by the end of summer.
Wagstaff says: “We handle so many private flights into both Bangkok and Phuket and it is apparent that the time is right to cater for our growing client base of VVIP visitors, who presently have nowhere in the airports to go once they disembark.”
The FBO will offer aircraft operators, their passengers and aircrew a range of professional FBO services for business and private flights, including tailored solutions for VIP, diplomatic and large aircraft operations.
Phuket International Airport is the most important gateway to Thailand’s premier tourist region. Last year AOT announced that it would inject 5 billion baht into the expansion of Phuket to bring its capacity up to 11.5 million passengers by the year 2016 – an increase of 77% over current capacity.
ASA will also offer VIP security services, non-scheduled business aircraft charter services, concierge services, over-flight and landing clearances, in-flight catering, aircraft marshalling, parking, fuel, aircraft valet, hangarage, security, customs and immigration, passenger and baggage handling, limousine transfers and hotel accommodation.
Wagstaff continues: “We need to cater for our private aviation visitors as part of this important expansion. ASA already has many years of experience in flight planning and ground handling into Asian destinations. We look forward to helping to turn Thailand into a world-class VIP tourist destination.”