Suvarnabhumi » CNN – New era for air travel
Sunday, July 20th, 2008
(CNN) — Bangkok’s new airport finally opens
For the Thai government, September 28 will either be a day of victory or acute embarrassment. At 3 a.m., the aging and overcrowded Don Muang International Airport will close, to be replaced by Bangkok’s new international airport, Suvarnabhumi — or “Golden Land” in Thai — which has been 40 years in the planning and opens following months of delays. It is a massive undertaking for airport officials and more than one hundred airlines have been involved. So will they be ready? CNN Business Traveller visited the Thai capital’s new airport before it opened to the public and interviewed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra about criticism that the airport is not ready.
Asia follows the low-cost trend
It’s been less than four years since low-cost carriers started competing for passengers and airspace in Asia. AirAsia introduced the first service in 2002. Now there are 33 budget carriers zigzagging across the region. But Asia is a different environment from Europe and the U.S. High fuel prices are only part of the test. Business Traveller takes a look at the market challenges the airlines are up against.
Thailand aims high
Bangkok’s new international airport is yet to open, but the Thai Prime Minister has already said he expects it to surpass Singapore’s Changi as the world’s leading hub. We investigate the competition. Does Bangkok really have what it takes to become the world number one?
Island escape
Leaving the hustle and bustle of Bangkok behind, Business Traveller heads south to exotic Phi Phi Island. There, one business traveler is fulfilling his dream of creating a five-star resort that’s more like home. The Thai businessman has spent millions of dollars merging the best of rural Thai life with luxury on an island better known for backpackers, not business travelers.
More Stories at CNN
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