Bangkok Flight Services ready for Suvarnabhumi
Bangkok Flight Services Co (BFS), the joint venture between Bangkok Airways and Worldwide Flight Services, says it is ready to operate its cargo and ground handling services at Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
The company targets revenue of Bt1.8 billion in the first year of operation, managing director Steward Sinclair said yesterday. Once the airport opens, the company will serve a combined 20-25 cargo operators and customers requiring ground handling services. It will mark the first time Bangkok Airways has stepped into the cargo arena, while expanding its current ground handling services from Don Muang International Airport to the new airport. BFS's cargo section is located in a free zone area in the northeast of the airport. With an area of 500,000 square metres, the company will provide full cargo services for international airlines with a newly developed system from Worldwide Flight Services, which is part of the France-based Vinci Group. "The company has a maximum capacity of 400,000 tonnes per year. However, 275,000 tonnes are expected in the first year," said Sinclair. The ground service area will be 35,000 square metres. The firm will serve passengers' baggage checking, check-in and ticketing, boarding, VIP lounge staffing, Skycaps, wheelchair assistance and other special services such as ground transportation, security screening, pre-boarding screening, baggage services, lost and found, inter-airline baggage handling and crew transportation. Sinclair said BFS expected to achieve revenue of Bt1.8 billion: Bt1 billion from the cargo business and the rest from ground handling. BFS has invested Bt2.8 billion for the two projects: Bt1.6 billion for cargo and Bt1.4 billion for ground services. The company has readied 1,000 staff to serve both sectors. Within one month of beginning operations, BFS will increase that number to 1,600. Worldwide Flight Services is the world's third-largest independent ground handling company, providing cargo, ramp and passenger services to 300 airlines and airport customers at more than 100 locations globally. The joint venture combines the management and operational experience of an industry leader in the ground handling industry with a recognised player in aviation and tourism.
Suchat Sritama The Nation
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