Thailand: AoT set to launch new terminal

The Airports of Thailand (AoT) is soft-launching the Satellite 1 (SAT-1) terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Sept 28 after a trial put the system to an early test. Suvarnabhumi director Kittipong Kittikachorn said the airport executed a full-scale trial with 180 mock passengers with their luggage to test operations at the SAT-1 satellite passenger terminal and the main terminal. The trial was assisted by Thai Airways who provided its cabin crew and aircraft for the procedure. The operation was also observed by Immigration Division 2, the Cargo Clearance Customs Bureau, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand and Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services, said Mr Kittipong. He said the trial included a full-scale operation concerning aircraft, arriving and departing passengers, transfer passengers, baggage handling systems and cargo operation. The next two trials will take place on Tuesday, operated by Thai AirAsia X and Worldwide Flight Services Bangkok Air Ground Handling Co Ltd, and on Sept 20 by Thai Vietjet, specifically for departing passengerson night flights, said Mr Kittipong. During the soft-opening period between Sept 28 and Oct 28, the SAT-1 terminal will be open to three airlines: Thai AirAsia X, VietJet Air and Emirates. The new terminal is expected to be fully operating by December this year in a bid to reduce congestion at the main terminal.<br/>