Thailand strives to be among top 10 global aviation hubs
Bangkok (VNA)
– Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin unveiled a "Thailand
Vision 2030" on March 1, with a commitment to promoting the country into a regional aviation hub by 2030, which can handle more than 150 million
international passengers each year.
In his
speech broadcast live on state television channel NBT and social media
platforms, Srettha shared his belief that Thailand has what it takes to
become a hub connecting air travel throughout the Asia-Pacific, and
rising to among the top 10 air logistics and distribution centres in the world.
The
Thai government plans to develop Thailand's airports to return
to the top 20 in the world within the next five years, especially
six airports under the management of the Airports of Thailand
Public Company Limited (AOT), namely Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai,
Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai.
This plan includes
renovating and expanding existing airports and building new airports to increase
passenger and cargo receiving capacity. In addition, the government also plans
to build a large shopping centre near airports to attract tourists, and to
connect airports with the mass transportation system (SRT - Red Line train) to
provide faster access to cities for passengers.
The
government and the AOT are already working on projects to increase the capacity of
the 20,000-rai Suvarnabhumi Airport to 150 million passengers per year within
2030, he said
The government
will elevate all airports nationwide by integrating modern technologies and
enhancing passenger services to improve efficiency, convenience, and service
delivery speed, he went on.
Efforts will be
made to strengthen cooperation with numerous airlines, tourism agencies, and hotel
associations to jointly develop the Thai aviation industry, he stated, adding
that sustainability will be promoted through the use of sustainable aviation fuel
(SAF) and environmentally friendly packaging, he stressed./.