CP to build private jet terminal in Phuket
Space is being created for up to 30 private jets 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.
Subsidiary Siam Land Flying Co (SLF) has won approval from Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) to build and run a private jet terminal and provide support services to general aviation operators at Phuket airport.
When completed, the new facility will be the second of its kind in Thailand after the one at Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport run by Mjets Ltd.
In return for the right, AoT has accepted SLF’s offer to invest in building the facility and then transferring ownership to the state-controlled airport operator before being allowed to operate the facility over a 30-year period.
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.
Medical emergency flights are also expected to be part of the facility’s role.
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.
