The management team of U-Tapao International Aviation Co., Ltd. (UTA) announced the progress of the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City project.

The management team of U-Tapao International Aviation Co., Ltd. (UTA) took the opportunity to report on the progress of the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City project, Phase 1, following the submission of the master plan to the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EEPC) on August 17.

Puthipong Prasartthong-Osoth, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Bangkok Aviation Co., Ltd. (Public), disclosed that the plan confirms the route of the high-speed rail connecting three airports, the layout of the road network connecting to the airport and aviation city, details of the second runway owned by the Navy, and the infrastructure routes for electricity, water supply, and fuel systems to the airport.

However, the company has also set an initial timeline for the project, stating that after submitting the master plan, detailed site surveys will take place in September, and the area will be handed over by the EEC, including surveying the maintenance area for six Thai Airways aircraft that will be developed into the second runway. It is expected to receive the Notice to Proceed (NTP) in early 2022, with construction taking about three years to complete, aiming for commercial operations by early 2025 and the joint venture contract to conclude by early 2032.

The company has assigned the OPi group, consisting of Oriental Consultants Global (OCG), Pacific Consultants (PCKK), and IBIS Company Limited (IBIS), to develop the master plan for U-Tapao International Airport. They have been contracted for one year, with OPi led by OCG and PCKK, both Japanese firms specializing in engineering consultancy for large-scale international infrastructure projects.

The OPi group will be responsible for the feasibility study of the project, master plan development, design, and construction supervision, particularly for airport-related tasks.

Additionally, the OPi group includes IBIS Company Limited, a Thai engineering consultancy with extensive experience in infrastructure development projects such as expressways, railways, public transport, and aviation, both domestically and internationally, and To70 (Thailand) Company Limited, a global aviation engineering and business consultancy from the Netherlands, which will help assess passenger travel demand, a crucial aspect of project planning.

Kawin Kanjanapas, CEO of BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited, stated that the initial joint venture model for the project has been defined by UTA, dividing tasks according to expertise. For instance, BTS, with its real estate and hotel business, will conduct studies in this area, while investment discussions will occur later to determine the format.

“We need to discuss how to invest, what star rating we want for the hotels, and who should invest. Regardless of whether the group invests itself or opens it up for other private investors, the revenue model will require rental payments to UTA,” he added.

Surapong Laohakunjana, Executive Director of BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited, revealed that BTS is currently studying development plans for non-aeronautical businesses, as this is an area of expertise for BTS. Initially, it has been found that the aviation city project has sufficient land for non-aeronautical business development, approximately 1,000 rai, valued at hundreds of billions of baht. The plan includes developing real estate, airport city, free trade zones, and cargo facilities. Many private entities, both domestic and international, are interested in becoming partners.

However, the study of non-aeronautical business is expected to be completed by early 2022 to align with the receipt of the NTP and the commencement of construction. BTS has been assigned by UTA to conduct this study but has not yet been tasked with investment. Therefore, once the study is completed, it will be presented and discussed with UTA to consider the investment model and report the plan to the EEPC for consideration.

Phakphum Srichamni, Managing Director of Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction Public Company Limited, stated that preliminary site surveys conducted in early July found that the construction preparation area poses no significant concerns, as it is already designated by the Navy for development.

SOURCE : www.bangkokbiznews.com