Airport readiness guaranteed

Nearly 100 issues still need to be addressed before Don Mueang can be turned into a fully functional airport by the Oct 1 deadline as sceptism abounds about its readiness. But the Transport Ministry, Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) and other relevant authorities yesterday vowed to work diligently to deal with the list of 93 issues, identified by workshops held yesterday, before the airport is due to start full operation. "We, together, are ready to be liable for failures in not delivering the promise," Transport Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan pledged at the end of the one-day seminar on readying Bangkok's old airport. Deputy Transport Minister Chatchart Sithipan told reporters it was agreed that a "stakeholders' committee" comprised of key officials from six agencies whose work was related to airport services will meet each week to ensure that issues are tackled ahead of the opening. Next Friday, AoT will have to present time lines and action plans for solving impediments including provision of immigration officers and a road connection between Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports, to the transport minister and deputy transport minister to ensure the work required is systematically carried out by Oct 1. The aviation industry held yesterday's seminar as a show of collective effort, especially among government agencies, to make Don Mueang a more functional airport as it is embraces full status as Bangkok's second airport, dedicated to budget airlines serving point-to-point non-connecting flights. The transformation of Don Mueang, which currently serves only two scheduled discount airlines, is meant to help relieve congestion at Suvarnabhumi. The Transport Ministry wants AoT persuade 14 budget airlines at Suvarnabhumi to operate at Don Mueang instead starting on Oct 1, but so far only three under the AirAsia group have signed up for the relocation. Last week, South Korean budget carrier T'way Airlines suspended its extra flight from Don Mueang after encountering deficient services and facilities at the old airport. From bangkokpost