First phase of Rayong’s U-Tapao aviation city expected to be ready in 2028
The private company tasked with developing the U-Tapao Airport and the eastern aviation city intends to launch the first phase of services by 2028.
U-Tapao International Aviation Services Limited (UTA) had signed the project contract with the Eastern Economic Corridor Office on June 19, 2020.
UTA said it was currently in the process of developing the project plan and preparing to receive the Notice to Proceed (NTP) for construction.
The CEO of UTA, Wirawat Panthawangkun, revealed that over the past four years, the company had expedited operations in areas where feasible. He said UTA had submitted the master plan for the development of the airport and the eastern aviation city to the EECO and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) for review, which had now been completed.
At the same time, the government is currently initiating the construction phase of the runway 2 project. Both projects are part of the conditions for issuing NTP. Now, only the coordination condition for the development of a high-speed rail connecting three airports (Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, U-Tapao) to designate the connection point at U-Tapao Station remains, he said.
“Once all conditions are clear, the NTP can be issued, and construction can commence. Initially, UTA aims to develop the initial phase to commence operations by 2028,” Wirawat said.
The development area of U-Tapao Airport and the eastern aviation city covers over 6,500 rai (1,040 hectares) within the responsibility and oversight of the Royal Thai Navy, aiming to be the focal point of the “Eastern Airport Megacity”. This will encompass urban development within approximately a 30-kilometre radius around the airport (from Pattaya to Rayong), aligning with the vision of developing the Eastern Seaboard into a major port and business hub of Thailand.
The scope of work of UTA in developing the Eastern Airport Megacity includes:
● Being responsible for and obligated to carry out projects, develop projects, provide services, and maintain projects in the main areas of U-Tapao International Airport and operations.
● New passenger terminal building
● Ground transportation center
● Taxiway connection between runway 1 and runway 2
● Aircraft parking areas for passengers and cargo transport
● Air cargo and logistics transportation business centre
● Public utilities prepared by the private sector partner
● Ground services area operations
Development tasks for the main areas of U-Tapao International Airport include: Immigration and Customs office buildings; relevant government office buildings and other necessary facilities for project implementation.
UTA is responsible for and obligated to carry out projects in the supporting areas of U-Tapao International Airport and other activities to meet the project objectives, covering: free trade zone; commercial business zone.
The development plan of U-Tapao Aviation City, according to the latest design model by UTA, will be filled with numerous activities throughout the day and night, serving as a place for relaxation and entertainment for travellers 24 hours a day. With the concept of a global smart city, it will be complemented by lifestyle and entertainment activities. The activities to be developed in the aviation city include:
● Over 2 million square metres of commercial space, which would encompass exhibitions, trade shows, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities, along with indoor sports facilities designed to host international competitions, supported by hotels to accommodate visitors.
● Retail outlets would be offered exclusive rights within the free trade zone in U-Tapao Aviation City to make it a shopping destination that gathers leading global brand products. Tax-free goods are sold both in the passenger terminal and within U-Tapao Aviation City.
● International standard offices to accommodate business growth.
Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/policy/40038500
