Search
SKY NEWS
the latest happenings at bangkok airways
NEW SAMUI TERMINALS READY TO SERVE ALL FLIGHTS
Koh Samui’s new airport terminals are up and running, servicing both international and domestic flights on the resort island. At 73,000sq m, the facility is now four times the size of the previous terminal. The 500-million baht project can easily accommodate up to 16,000 passengers daily, and includes a combined international and domestic check-in area and a designated “meeting point” for arriving travellers.
The development also features an open-air shopping street called Samui Park Avenue, near the passengers’ terminal, that’s filled with boutique-style outlets. Looking ahead, a 40-room boutique hotel is scheduled to open here in July 2008.
First inaugurated in 1989, Samui Airport was made a public company last year after 17 years of private ownership by Bangkok Airways. Worth over 10 billion baht, the property is the island’s only gateway by air, serving direct flights from Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya (U-Tapao), Chiang Mai, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Next year, the airport will welcome flights from more destinations, thanks to expanding regional connections by Bangkok Airways. Other airlines flying to Koh Samui include Berjaya Air from Kuala Lumpur and budget airline FireFly from Penang, Malaysia. The new terminal’s official opening will be in January 2008.
BANGKOK AIRWAYS SPONSORS THE RUAM JAI PAK RAK NAI LUANG EXHIBITION
In a tribute to His Majesty the King, Bangkok Airways was one of the main sponsors of Ruam Jai Pak Rak Nai Luang – a fair organised by the National Security Council, Thai government and companies from the private sector.
The event included an exhibition and film on the history of His Majesty. Products and food from across Thailand were also on sale. Bangkok Airways is honoured to have been involved in this event and to show their respect to the King. The main objectives of the exhibition were to foster harmony across Thai society and to celebrate living in a prosperous economy. All proceeds from the event went to His Majesty’s charities.
A NEW WEBSITE FOR FLYERBONUS
FlyerBonus is proud to introduce its brand-new website. Designed to help members access and process their FlyerBonus activities online withe ase and even more convenience, the website contains all the information you need to know about Bangkok Airways Frequent Flyer Programme and its growing list of esteemed partners.
Featuring more user-friendly functions, the sophisticated website delivers a greater level of service to members. Whether you want to view your activity statement, change your profiles, print a temporary card, download a wallpaper or screen saver, or just want to see what promotions are on offer, it’s all there to make your FlyerBonus experience a rewarding one. You can also use the site to request for any “missing” points, which can happen when a reservation or check-in is made without quoting membership numbers.
Enrol now in FlyerBonus, Bangkok Airways Frequent Flyer Programme, and discover all the perks and privileges designed to complement your lifestyle.
For further information and enrolment, check out www.bangkokair.com/flyerbonus
BANGKOK AIRWAYS INSTALLS ROYAL GARUDA EMBLEM
Recently presented with a certificate of honour by His Majesty the King of Thailand, Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth, President and CEO of Bangkok Airways performed the official installation ceremony of a four-metre tall Royal Garuda Emblem in front of the airline’s head office. He was accompanied by Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth (Bangkok Airways Senior Executive Vice-President and a member of the Board of Directors) and His Holiness Somdej Phrabuddhacharaya – His Eminence the Chief Abbot of Wat Srakesa Rajavaramahavihara, who presided over the inauguration.
The fibreglass statue was erected in front of the airline’s head office on Bangkok’s Vibhavadirangsit Road in the presence of well-wishing staff and executives. A replica of the Royal Garuda was also hoisted at the Tubsuwan Building or Bangkok Airways Operation Centre (BAOC), which is near the Suvarnabhumi Airport.
On behalf of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Kaewkwan Watcharothai, Secretary-General of the Royal Household, presented the prestigious certificate of honour to Bangkok Airways Co Ltd in April.
The certificate is exclusively bestowed upon select Thai entrepreneurs who uphold high standards of business ethics, integrity and trustworthiness in their dealings with the public and the Court of Sovereigns.
interview
get to know bangkok airways executives
GOOD INVESTMENT
Executive Vice President of Finance, Thavatvong Thanasumitra is like a father to his staff, whom he affectionately refers to as “youngsters”. At 60, this proud grandfather of three has worked for Bangkok Airways since 1995, and has over 30 years of experience in the Thai airline industry.
Thavatvong worked at Bangkok Airways sister company, Thai Petroleum Services Co Ltd (TPS) in 1992. “As General Manager of TPS I gained good experience in a non-airline related industry. TPS runs petroleum services such as oil exploration and drilling wells in Thailand and the region,” he says. It has been 12 years of hard work and dedication, and he is now a working Board Member of the company, responsible for corporate finance, including accounting, budgeting, statistics and business development.
His role led him to take an active role in planning and entering into the bid for concession in 2004 at Suvarnnabhumi Airport. After winning the bid, Bangkok Airways was able to set up a joint venture of three entities, including Bangkok Flight Service, Bangkok Flight Service Cargo and Bangkok Air Catering Service at Suvarnabhumi.
“It was hard work under the time constraints, but I enjoyed the challenge very much,” he says of the bid.
Looking ahead, one of his commitments is to issue an initial public offering (IPO) for Bangkok Airways on the stock market – to allow others to be a part of Bangkok Airways. He sees the most potential in Koh Samui Airport, which went onto the stock market last year.
“There is still much demand from the investors wanting to be part of Samui Airport,” says Thavatvong.
He is also confident of finding new business opportunities with the company. He says: “I am so fortunate to have joined Bangkok Airways since I have the chance to take on so many challenges which I would never have had otherwise.”
Although five years past the retirement age, Th avatvong continues to enjoy his work. The keen golfer enjoys a game once a week with his wife, whom he says is a better player than he is.
Bookmark This Post
