Continuing the development project for U-Tapao International Airport into an “Eastern Aviation Metropolis,” a gateway to the world with a 24-hour entertainment complex for travelers, the project partners with major developers such as Bangkok Airways, BTS Group, and Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction to jointly invest in the new U-Tapao airport project on a 6,500-rai site, aiming to return 305.555 billion baht to the government.
The “U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City Project” is one of the crucial infrastructures of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) under the Thailand 4.0 strategic plan, which builds on the success of previous development projects along the eastern coastline. The main objective is to elevate U-Tapao Airport to be the “third major international commercial airport for Bangkok,” facilitating connectivity with Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports via high-speed rail. This public-private partnership will benefit the state financially with 305.555 billion baht in revenue, over 62 billion baht in tax, and create 15,600 new jobs annually during the first five years of the concession, along with skills development for personnel in the aviation business and knowledge technology in aviation. All assets will revert to the state at the end of the 50-year concession.
The U-Tapao International Aviation Company Limited (BBS Joint Venture), which has received a 50-year concession from the government, signed a joint investment agreement for the development of U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City on June 19, 2020, with Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha presiding over the signing ceremony.
The U-Tapao International Aviation Company Limited (BBS Joint Venture) consists of three major private companies: Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited, BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited, and Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction Public Company Limited. They will jointly invest approximately 290 billion baht, with a rapid operational preparation time of only 47 days to submit proposals for participation in the development of U-Tapao Airport and the Eastern Aviation City, marking the fastest such process in the country’s history for a project of this scale. This demonstrates strong financial readiness, expertise, and commitment to developing U-Tapao Airport and the Eastern Aviation City into a “tourism and logistics & aviation industry hub,” continuing the government’s intention to develop the Eastern Seaboard into a significant port and business city for Thailand, extending eastward from Bangkok and its vicinity with convenient and modern connectivity by land, water, and air.
Key components managed by the government include two standard runways, each 3,500 meters long, allowing aircraft to take off and land independently, accommodating commercial aircraft of all sizes with a total of 124 parking positions, a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Complex covering an initial area of 500 rai, along with other support services across 1,400 rai. This includes an MRO center, a training center for aviation personnel, power and chilled water plants, a water supply and wastewater treatment facility, and aviation fuel services. Additionally, an Air Traffic Control Tower will be constructed by Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, which can handle up to 70 aircraft movements per hour.
Key components managed by the private sector include the third passenger terminal, which, when completed, will span over 450,000 square meters and accommodate over 60 million passengers annually. The terminal will feature modern facilities such as automated check-in systems (Smart Airport) and an automated people mover (APM). There will also be a Cargo Village and Free Trade Zone covering over 470,000 square meters, expected to handle over 3 million tons of cargo annually. The Ground Transportation Center (GTC) will cover over 30,000 square meters, facilitating seamless connections for various transportation methods such as high-speed rail, buses, and taxis to the new passenger terminal.
Moreover, there will be a commercial gateway covering over 400,000 square meters, housing duty-free shops, retail outlets, restaurants, hotels, as well as a business park and Airport City spanning over 1 million square meters, including shopping centers, convention and exhibition centers, residential buildings, and office towers.
On July 18, 2023, the Cabinet approved the principle of a draft ministerial regulation setting the opening and closing hours for establishments, as proposed by the Ministry of Interior. The regulation allows all types of establishments within the 6,500 rai aviation city area to operate 24 hours, promoting the area as an “entertainment complex” in the Eastern Aviation City within the EEC. Furthermore, a “Formula One racetrack” has been included in the blueprint, aiming to make Thailand a destination for tourism and investment in all sectors, stimulate travel, and generate more revenue for the country.
