PHUKET: A 200 million baht project to develop a private jet terminal for wealthy visitors to Phuket is likely to be formally announced at any moment, Phuketwan has learned.
Space is being created for up to 30 private jets to be accommodated on a patch of land adjacent to Phuket International Airport, which is being expanded to a capacity of 12.5 million arrivals and departures annually.
Converting the 17-rai of turf for use by VIP celebrity passengers will enhance Phuket's appeal to the quality market exemplified by recent visitors Beyonce and the Kardashians.
The Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group has long held the ambition of moving into aviation and the exclusive Phuket private jet zone will provide that opportunity.
Although a formal announcement has yet to be made, subsidiary Siam Land Flying Co (SLF) has won approval from Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) to build and run the private jet terminal and provide support services to general aviation operators.
Medical emergency flights are also expected to be part of the facility's role.
When completed, the new jetport will be the second of in Thailand after the one at Bangkok's Don Muang airport, run by Mjets Ltd.
According to one recent newspaper report, in return for the right, AoT has accepted SLF's offer to invest in building the facility then transferring ownership to the state-controlled airport operator before being allowed to operate the facility over a 30-year period.
In addition to the "build-transfer-operate" scheme, SLF must also provide a profit-sharing deal based on gross revenue at a progressive rate payable on a monthly basis, senior AoT executives told the Bangkok Post.
SLF has already obtained a seven-rai plot adjacent to Phuket airport for the development of the terminal and fixed-base operator (FBO) facilities.
FBO refers to the rights granted by an airport authority to an entity to provide aeronautical services such as fuelling, hangaring, tie-down and parking, aircraft rental, aircraft maintenance and other services for corporate and private aircraft, says the Post.
SLF is negotiating for the purchase of 10 more adjacent rai to embark on full-scale development.
The company's ability to secure land is key to the project as the AoT has long maintained there is no nearby land available for a private jet terminal and FBO facilities. The AoT also insists there is no room within airport grounds to accommodate such facilities.
Endorsement is expected over the next two months, said senior AoT executives. The project cost is estimated at 200 million baht, with facilities operating in 18 months.
SLF has engaged in private aircraft charters and air ambulance services for 24 years.
CP patriarch Dhanin Chearavanont is reported to have a passion for flying. Khun Dhanin owns three jets - a Gulfstream 650, a Bombardier Global Express and a Dassault Falcon 2000.
Space is being created for up to 30 private jets to be accommodated on a patch of land adjacent to Phuket International Airport, which is being expanded to a capacity of 12.5 million arrivals and departures annually.
Converting the 17-rai of turf for use by VIP celebrity passengers will enhance Phuket's appeal to the quality market exemplified by recent visitors Beyonce and the Kardashians.
The Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group has long held the ambition of moving into aviation and the exclusive Phuket private jet zone will provide that opportunity.
Although a formal announcement has yet to be made, subsidiary Siam Land Flying Co (SLF) has won approval from Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) to build and run the private jet terminal and provide support services to general aviation operators.
Medical emergency flights are also expected to be part of the facility's role.
When completed, the new jetport will be the second of in Thailand after the one at Bangkok's Don Muang airport, run by Mjets Ltd.
According to one recent newspaper report, in return for the right, AoT has accepted SLF's offer to invest in building the facility then transferring ownership to the state-controlled airport operator before being allowed to operate the facility over a 30-year period.
In addition to the "build-transfer-operate" scheme, SLF must also provide a profit-sharing deal based on gross revenue at a progressive rate payable on a monthly basis, senior AoT executives told the Bangkok Post.
SLF has already obtained a seven-rai plot adjacent to Phuket airport for the development of the terminal and fixed-base operator (FBO) facilities.
FBO refers to the rights granted by an airport authority to an entity to provide aeronautical services such as fuelling, hangaring, tie-down and parking, aircraft rental, aircraft maintenance and other services for corporate and private aircraft, says the Post.
SLF is negotiating for the purchase of 10 more adjacent rai to embark on full-scale development.
The company's ability to secure land is key to the project as the AoT has long maintained there is no nearby land available for a private jet terminal and FBO facilities. The AoT also insists there is no room within airport grounds to accommodate such facilities.
Endorsement is expected over the next two months, said senior AoT executives. The project cost is estimated at 200 million baht, with facilities operating in 18 months.
SLF has engaged in private aircraft charters and air ambulance services for 24 years.
CP patriarch Dhanin Chearavanont is reported to have a passion for flying. Khun Dhanin owns three jets - a Gulfstream 650, a Bombardier Global Express and a Dassault Falcon 2000.
It's simply amazing how fast these projects that will only benefit the top 1% of society get approved and built. Now when Beyonce and the Kardashians make their five minute visit every few years they can travel in VIP style.
Meanwhile the rest of us lower class peasants can continue to suffer the long queues, surly staff and over-charging taxi drivers at the current Phuket airport.
I'm also happy to see the ultra wealthy of Thailand have their priorities in order in how they invest their money. Forget about the water shortages, rubbish problems, the crumbling roads and infrastructure. As long as the rich and elite can fly in style who cares?
Posted by Arun Muruga on July 24, 2015 12:49