Airports of Thailand upgrades facilities for increased traveller comfort
ADVERTORIAL
With passenger traffic increasing at all six major Thai airports run by Airports of Thailand PCL, at ITB Berlin 2024 the company is presenting its latest projects set to smoothen and simplify passenger movements.
As an airport operator, Airports of Thailand PCL (AOT) operates 6 major air facilities in Thailand: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International, Chiang Mai International, Chiang Rai Mae Fah Luang, Hat Yai International and Phuket International. Last year, 106 million passengers used 134 scheduled airlines connecting 241 destinations with 667,000 flights.
Various development projects are in the planning to accommodate future air traffic volumes. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand main hub, has already seen the opening of its Satellite Building (SAT-1) at the end of 2023 with an automated people mover system connecting the facility to the main terminal. It enables Suvarnabhumi Airport to accommodate 60 million passengers instead of the previous 45 million. On July 2024, a third runway will be operational increasing capacity from 68 to 94 flights per hour.
Technology and innovation regarding the Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) are also being introduced for the convenience of passengers. These includes the option of self-service check-in, a common use bag drop and self-boarding gates. These systems enhance the efficiency and speed of passenger services, reducing waiting times and congestion.
Furthermore, AOT in collaboration with airlines is testing out a new “Biometric Identification System” using facial recognition technology. This system will ensure the accuracy of passenger verification processes and reduce queuing time. It should be fully operational by mid-2024.
In parallel, AOT is developing its SAWASDEE application where passengers can access real-time flight information, flight status, receive smart notification, check their luggage status, reserve a parking space and navigate through passengers facilities.
Hall 26 / Stand 218a
Photo: Police General Visanu Prasattongosoth, Chairman of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited
