"That could be carried out in August. In order to handle the flights, we need to coordinate with foreign airports [where flights will originate] and related agencies including the Immigration Department and the Customs Department," he said.

He admitted that passengers could encounter some inconveniences when the airport first opens, tentatively set for September 28, but claimed that that was the norm at all newly opened airport. "[The discomforts] are not a significant issue," he said. "What we focus on is the safety issue and we're confident Suvarnabhumi is fully ready.

"Every week we have discussions with airlines to assure them we are ready for commercial operations," he said.

Caretaker Transport Minister Pongsak Ruktapongpisal backed up the AOT, saying the airport was ready for commercial operations, despite criticisms and negative reports from foreign news agencies that it has only three months in which to fix many problems, including baggage handling and communications.

He said these reports were written to sabotage the opening of the airport. "If the airport cannot be opened on schedule, it will hurt the economy and the aviation industry as well as investment. Thailand has invested hugely to make Suvarnabhumi a regional aviation hub," he said.

Aeronautical (Thailand) Co Ltd, in charge of the communications system, has tested the system as well as the landing guides using small jets. The company announced yesterday that the systems are now ready, according to the Thai News Agency.

The Nation