Business Times Malaysia, September 25 2006
BANGKOK: Flag carrier Thai Airways International has pinned its hopes on a successful transition to Bangkok's new airport, aiming to cement its rebound from a disastrous 2005 after the Indian Ocean tsunami.
The airline has invested US$400 million (US$1 = RM3.68) in its facilities at Suvarnabhumi airport, boasting Asia's largest aircraft maintenance centre and tripling its cargo facilities.
In early September, it started gradually shifting equipment and 15,000 staff from its old office at Don Muang airport to Suvarnabhumi.
The carrier even began operating domestic flights at the new airport two weeks before the official opening on September 28 to test its ability to get passengers from the check-in counters, onto planes and into the air.
Despite last week's bloodless coup that ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, airline officials said their confidence has not dimmed and they have not changed any of their plans.
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