It also says seven cargo buildings at the airport will become an aircraft maintenance centre.

The department's director-general, Chaisak Angkasuwan, said the two projects would begin before the end of the year, after the opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Airports of Thailand (AOT) has confirmed that Suvarnabhumi will be ready to open in the third quarter.

Chaisak said the department would work with the Board of Investment and the Industrial Estates Authority of Thailand to finalise details of the plans.

As originally planned, Don Muang's two runways will serve various purposes after Suvarnabhumi opens, including general aviation, air taxi services, charter flights, air parcel services, and low-cost airlines.

"We prefer to call Don Muang a point-to-point airport, which is different to Suvarnnabhumi International Airport as it serves more than general passengers and cargo," Chaisak said.

The development of aircraft maintenance activities in Don Muang's seven cargo buildings will follow three phases, he said.

The first will be the establishment of small-scale manufacturing, producing disposable spare parts used in aircraft. This is scheduled to start before the end of the year.

The second phase is expected to start in 2009, and will involve repair services for small and medium-sized aircraft. The third phase, involving repairs and maintenance for large aircraft, is scheduled to begin in 2012.

"The department will invite private enterprise to invest in these facilities.

We hope Don Muang will become a maintenance and service centre for both domestic and foreign airlines," Chaisak said.

At present, many aircraft are sent to Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan for checks, repairs and maintenance due to the limited services available in Thailand. However, the cost of these services in other countries is higher than that in Thailand.

Chaisak said the department is also talking with AOT about reducing its landing and parking fees at Don Muang Airport to attract more airlines.

According to aviation industry figures, Don Muang Airport services 94 airlines, which is more than Hong Kong and Beijing international airports. At the same time, Don Muang is ranked 14th in the world for total passenger movements, higher than Japan's Narita Airport.

Bangkok's airport also connects to 104 points around the world, higher than Singapore and Hong Kong, both connecting to 96 points, and Malaysia, with 91.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation