AOT boosting upcountry air traffic

International airlines are being offered steep discounts of up to 95 per cent on landing and parking fees at four provincial airports in a bid to boost air traffic upcountry.

"We're offering steep discounts to international airlines that commence flying to Thailand," said Serirat Prasutanond, acting president of Airports of Thailand (AOT), the operator of the four provincial airports - Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai and Phuket - as well as Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.

A similar offer could also be implemented for Suvarnabhumi.

The latest foreign airline to fly to Thailand is Iran Air, which will start a once-a-week flight in late October or November.

Thailand now accommodates more than 60 international airlines.

More traffic would help AOT achieve its target growth rates for international and domestic passengers. While domestic-passenger growth is expected to be up 12 per cent from last year, the company expects the number of international passengers to increase 7 per cent.

The number of flights will rise 5 per cent. Although some Thai airlines are cutting flights, many international airlines have increased theirs.

"This should allow us to post double-digit revenue growth this year," Serirat said.

To raise traffic to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phuket, AOT plans to organise foreign roadshows to promote its provincial airports. It also intends to turn Suvarnabhumi - ranked 40th last year - into the world's top airport next year.

"AOT will spend close to Bt100 million to improve facilities and enhance management at Suvarnabhumi Airport," Serirat said.

The company hopes Suvarnabhumi will be in the top 10 this year, up there with airports like those in Inchon, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Beijing.

South Korea's Inchon Airport was recently voted the world's best for the third consecutive year.

To prepare for the push, AOT is hosting the two-day Airport Quality Service Forum in Bangkok, which ends today.

More than 70 airport representatives from Asia and East Africa are discussing how to improve services.