Middle East VIPs to benefit from Thailand's first VIP airport terminal

Simon Wagstaff, ASA’s chief executive says: “We handle so many private flights into both Bangkok and Phuket and it is apparent that the time is right to cater for our growing client base of VVIP visitors from the Middle East region, who presently have nowhere in the airport to go once they disembark.  Such clients are used to high standards of service. We are delighted that we can now cater for their needs.”

The new director of Phuket International Airport Pratuang Sornkham told the Phuket Gazette that ASA’s project is “appropriate for the airport” due to the growing number of businessmen and VIPs flying in to Phuket on board private jets. 

The FBO will offer aircraft operators, passengers and aircrew a range of professional services for business and private flights, including tailored solutions for high end, diplomatic and large aircraft operations. ASA will also offer several other VIP services, including security, aircraft charter, concierge services, over-flight and landing clearances, customs and immigration and limousine transfers and hotel accommodation.

Phuket International Airport is the most important gateway to Thailand’s premier tourist region and the second busiest in Thailand after Suvarnabhumi.  In February this year, AOT announced it would invest 5 billion baht in the expansion of the airport in order to bring its capacity up to 11.5 million passengers by the year 2016 – an increase of 77% over current capacity.

Mr Wagstaff says: “We need to cater for our private aviation visitors as part of this important expansion. ASA already has many years of experience in flight planning and ground handling into Asian destinations. We look forward to helping to turn Thailand into a world-class VIP tourist destination.”