Bangkok: Monporn Charoensri, Deputy Minister of Transport, recently visited Suvarnabhumi Airport to extend support to the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand in enhancing the safety standards of Runway 3. This initiative aims to accelerate the development of technology and improve capacity to handle the increasing number of flights.
According to Thai News Agency, Mrs. Manoporn Charoensri, after inspecting the Suvarnabhumi Air Traffic Control Tower, emphasized the policy given to the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand to upgrade Runway 3's safety standards and develop technology to manage flight growth. She addressed the need to listen to challenges and provide solutions, integrating aviation agency efforts to position Thailand as a regional aviation hub, aligning with government and transport ministry policies.
Ms. Manoporn stated, "I have urged Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co., Ltd. (AEROTHAI) to accelerate the development of technology and personnel to increase the capacity to support the number of flights. After opening the third runway of Suvarnabhumi Airport, it will be able to support 80 flights/hour, with a maximum capacity of 85 flights/hour."
Furthermore, Ms. Manoporn visited the runway to understand the operations and ground support systems, particularly the Follow the Green (FTG) system. This advanced ground aircraft navigation system uses Taxiway Centerline lights to guide aircraft efficiently, positively impacting Thailand's flight capacity.
Mr. Surachai Nooprom, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Director-General of AOT, noted that Suvarnabhumi Airport currently handles an average of 1,027 flights daily, similar to pre-COVID levels, with a continuous increase expected. Since the 3rd runway's opening, approximately 16% of all flights have utilized it. The Aeronautical Radio of Thailand is expanding its capacity to accommodate future flight increases, ensuring maximum safety with modern air navigation technology systems. Currently, they are conducting a feasibility study on the FTG system, part of the A-SMGCS, to support automatic aircraft navigation, which will reduce driving time, fuel consumption, delays, and enhance safety, especially during adverse weather conditions.