SmallAirlines:Seaplane stoppage

[ncr]

Already featured frontpage.

http://www.isaanair.com/

Just what the world needed: Non-stop Nakhon Phanom to LAX (and for just 16,000 Baht)...! ;)

Seasonal style Cheese Cakes and Fruit Pies are available on our flights 2 hours or longer along with the main Som Tam meal. On shorter routes, we offer a special strawberry short bread cheese cake on our Chiang Mai and Nakhon Phanom Express Route while the other short routes will serve marble cake in addition to the Isaan vegetable Som Tam.
http://www.delta-orient.com/isaan/fruitsnack.jpg
Here is an example before mixing at the Isaan Air Som Tam Catering Facility in Nakhon Phanom. :p :p :p

1. Even though it's just a joke, the website is far better than that of Thai Sky, an airline that's actually operating (or not - see this thread (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=1901)), with regard to information content and design...... :rolleyes: :cool:

2. I certainly wished it was real...!

Will have to write an email to PublicRelations@IsaanAir.com and ask when they will introduce flights to other major urban centers of Isaan such as Roi Et and Buri Ram, which are still missing from the network (http://www.delta-orient.com/isaan/routes.htm)!

[pong]

Sawe a poster (quite old) from/for this airline in some travel-agent. Has this airline ever really existed? If yes, around when/what services? I guess I could find it by extensive googling, but hoping someone will save me all that time.
Anyway, khrap khun laew,khrap for any hint/explanation.

[Baton Rouge]

Not a lot here, but somehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_Pacific_Airlines
http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/089/tours.shtml
Thai Pacific Airlines closes down

Thai Pacific Airlines has closed down sometime during the past few weeks owing money to staff and to its landlord.

A senior ex-employee, on condition of anonymity, told TTG Daily News the final straw was when the owners of the office building where TPA tried to get started refused entry to staff until rent arrears were settled. "The phones have been cut off and the staff has gone. There’s nothing left," said the source.

Attempts to contact TPA founder and president, Dr Wasant Singhamany, failed to get a response.

In August last year Dr Wasant said, amid a fanfare of publicity, he planned to start a Bangkok-Sydney service on October 1, using a Boeing 747-200 aircraft. TPA’s managing director, Sawanit Singtoroj, said at the time the aircraft would be delivered into Thailand by mid-September.

Sources blame TPA’s failure on a mystery billionaire American professor who was supposed to supply cash for the venture, but who could not deliver when it was required. (TTG Asia)



Also some other stuff about Phuket Air and other potential airlines.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/03/07/business/business_20002118.php
Phuket Air angles for new name, licence

The shareholders of Phuket Air have scrapped the embattled airline and applied for a fresh aviation licence with a new company called Suvarnabhumi Airline, although they have already been asked to pick a different name.

It is planned that the renamed airline - which has registered capital of Bt200 million - will cover four routes from Bangkok to Ranong, Buri Ram, Chiang Mai and Phuket with two B737 aircraft.

Its main shareholders, Angkana Apiwattanaporn and manager of Phuket Air Vokrim Aisiri, also submitted an application for another airline named Holiday Airline, to fly to Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo, using three B747s.

Phuket Air was hit recently by a series of negative reports from customers following apparent security mishaps.

Civil Aviation Department director-general Chaisak Angkasuwan said Suvarnabhumi Airline was one of the eight applicants for new licences.

"We are asking the company to change the name because Suvarnabhumi is the name of the new airport and it is also the name bestowed by His Majesty the King," Chaisak said.

Among the other six applicants is Prathip Boonprasom, the major shareholder of the defunct Air Andaman, which ceased trading two years ago. Prathip is planning his comeback with German Hubert Joseph Trunser and Swiss Bernan Luthee in the joint venture Asian Aerospace Service.

The new airline aims to run chartered flights from Bangkok with two Jetstream aircraft.

The fourth applicant is Sky Star Airway, a joint Thai (51 per cent) and South Korean (49 per cent) venture, that plans flights from Bangkok to Shanghai three times a week, five flights to Beijing, and five to Taipei.

Siam Express Airway, the fifth applicant, hopes to fly to Seoul, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Min City.

Sky Star Airway and Siam Express Airway's foreign ownership are both 49 per cent, exactly meeting the legal limit, Chaisak said.

The sixth application comes from Thai-owned AS Aviation, which aims to fly air taxis and charter flights for business, using three small aircraft.

SEE Sky, the seventh applicant, wants to run non-scheduled flights for advertisers.

The eighth is Air Mark Aviation Thailand, which is set to offer scheduled and non-scheduled flights.

The department has approved 33 civil aviation licences so far, but seven of these will be withdrawn, including those of Air Andaman, Thai Pacific, Thai Jet and Thai Air Cargo.

"We are opening the business in accordance with the open-sky policy. But we have applied strict rules in screening the applicants to ensure proper control," the director-general said.

Chaisak added that the eight applicants would submit operating plans, including details of aircraft maintenance, pilots, routes and registered capital.

"They are subject to thorough checks before the applications are forwarded to the transport minister," he said.

He also said Thai AirAsia could continue in business despite Singapore's Temasek Holdings' takeover of its major shareholder - Shin Corp - as the corporation's current foreign ownership stood at 45 per cent and hence was below the legal limit, based on data from Thailand Securities Depository.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation

[PhuketJimmy]

What has become of the airline that used to service Hua-Hin. their lounge and check in counter was outside the arrivals/bagage claim in Don Muang Domestic. the web site hadn't changed and now is down..Any Info?

[jpatokal]

The site is working for me:

http://www.sga.co.th/en-GB/index.html

There's a phone number, give 'em a call?

[pong]

thank you, thats what I was hoping for (I am not using wikiped so much), but from WHEN did that failure like in the 1st part date? Must add, i had some ida it would be like that.

[pong]

from another board {same Question} it was told that it operates same-same as before, even to same schedule! Flying seems to be a little erratic, tiny plane and does not go when ;''they loose the money so much''

[PhuketJimmy]

SGA changed their URL but it doesn't forward to the new site.........

[GWR]

Judging by a few accounts I have read, there were quite a few seaplanes in Thailand's early aviation history. For Nonthaburi example there's still a Sanam Bin Road in the region of Nonthaburi that I believe once lead to a stretch of the Chao Phraya used for the takeoff and landing of military seaplanes. [However, I make no claims that this is entirely accurate. If anyone knows better, it would make a great history thread in its own right.

I've just come back from my first jaunt through Suvannaphumi. A largely positive experience. My experience with bus & taxi transport out and in (respectively) was also mostly positive. However, it is a real shame that they didn't finish the building off properly before they opened it.

I note that the Hua-Hin route has made it into the NBIA.

On my return, I noted this in The Nation. I believe some bods are also doing helicopter tours of Ao Phang-Nga out of Phuket: -

http://www.destinationair.com/images/rightbottom.jpg

Seaplane shuttle to launch in Phuket

Destination Air Shuttle will inaugurate its seaplane shuttle service from Phuket to the southern tourist destinations of Phi Phi Island, Krabi and Koh Lanta next month.

CEO Nithit Kesangam said yesterday that the service would start with 12 flights per day and add more to the Similan and Racha islands as well as Khao Lak.

The company invested Bt100 million in the operation after seeing more and more international tourists choosing to vacation on the Andaman Coast.

Riding the Destination Air Shuttle will help passengers cut travelling time from half a day to less than 13 minutes from Phuket International Airport to Koh Phi Phi, 20 minutes to Krabi and 30 minutes to Koh Lanta.

They will also save transfer time by landing directly at the beachfront resorts.

As the only seaplane shuttle service in the country, guests can expect service reliability by reserving their flights through travel agents or directly through the Destination Air Shuttle website http://www.destinationair.com

Destination Air's fleet consists of Cessna 208 and 206 aircraft, which are rated as the safest in the world.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation


http://www.destinationair.com/images/map_route.gif

[GWR]

A remarkably uninformative site with almost no active links. Problems perhaps?: -

http://www.helithai.com/

Heli Thai is currently restructuring its operations in Thailand to prepare for the 2006-2007 season.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information or future reservations. We look forward to welcoming you on board again very soon.

Boat Lagoon Marina:
The Plaza 23 /114 Thepkasattri Road,
Koh Kaew, Muang, Phuket 83000 Thailand


Mobile: +66 (0) 1926 2102
Tel/Fax: +66 (0) 7627 3464
E-mail: info@helithai.com


A bit more info about previous operations here: -

http://www.phuket-beaches.com/helicopter-tours.html

[von Hirschhorn]

Well, if the showed map indeed also operates live, it would be worth to save some money and take the sky from the sea again one day. I once flew with 'Yellow Bird' from Dong Muang to Pattaya. (a great experience)
A fine piece of Public Transport is revealed here, especially for whome who like strange destinations.

[GWR]

Here's an archive thread on seaplanes in Bangkok: -

http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=192

[jpatokal]

Here's a whole slew of teasers from luchtzak:

http://www.luchtzak.be/article13350.html
Chiang Mai Airways is a new airline to cater for tourists from southern China into... Chiang Mai.
A group of Chiang Mai (Chinese?) politicians and business people recently founded the company.

http://www.luchtzak.be/article13349.html
Siam Express Airway plans to fly to Seoul, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City.

http://www.luchtzak.be/article13348.html
Sky Star Airway applied for routes from Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok to Shanghai three times a week, five flights to Beijing, and five to Taipei.

Sky Star Airway is a joint Thai (51%) and South Korean (49%) venture.

http://www.luchtzak.be/article13347.html
Defunct Air Andaman, which ceased trading two years ago, is planning a comeback with a German national, Hubert Joseph Trunser and Bernan Luthee from Switzerland in a joint venture to be called Asian Aerospace Service.

http://www.luchtzak.be/article13346.html
Suvarnabhumi Airline plans services from Bangkok to Ranong, Buri Ram, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Suvarnabhumi Airline is the former Phuket Air... Its main shareholders are also setting up Holiday Airline to operate routes to Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo.

(And that's all there is to the articles, so don't go clicking on 'em for more.)

[GWR]

Having seen Jpatakol's article about 6 new local airlines today (and also having noticed their check-in Counter at NBIA Domestic), I thought this might interest you: -

SGA to fly Chiang Mai-Phrae route from next month

Siam General Aviation president Jane Channarong said the small airline planned to operate flights from Chiang Mai to Phrae from February 1.


He said the service would suit travellers wanting to fly from Phrae to Bangkok via Chiang Mai or to Chiang Mai.


It is the company's second route. The airline currently flies two Cessna 208B aircraft to Hua Hin from Bangkok.



http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/01/06/business/business_30023401.php

[bangkapiboy]

That is very exciting to have some more competition, especially since I love seeing low air fares!

[jpatokal]

That is very exciting to have some more competition, especially since I love seeing low air fares!
Unfortunately (?) pretty much all of those seem to be charter operators, and will thus not sell tickets directly to the public.

[jpatokal]

Update: Spotted a fairly informative article in the Nation (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/01/02/business/business_30023066.php
)... which lists eight airlines, not six, not counting Holiday Air! The three missing ones:

The sixth application has come from Thai-owned AS Aviation, which aims to fly air taxis and charter flights for business people, using three small aircraft.

SEE Sky, the seventh applicant, wants to run non-scheduled flights for advertising purposes.

Finally, Air Mark Aviation Thailand, will offer scheduled and non-scheduled flights.

But for comparison:
"In 2006, the department approved 33 civil aviation licences but seven of these will be revoked, including those granted to Air Andaman, Thai Pacific, Thai Jet and Thai Air Cargo," Chaisak said.

[bangkapiboy]

That's unfortunate. I love trying new airlines. But I wonder if the charters should be directed to Don Muang, since they say Suvarnabhumi is going near max capacity.

[GWR]

One wonders whether a different name might have been better to avoid the comment "Just another *ra*** airline". ;)

This seems like an awfully over-ambitious plan. Shades of Phuket Air perhaps!?:

Thursday, June 21, 2007
Krabi Airline to debut November 1

BANGKOK: Soon to be Thailand’s newest carrier, Krabi Airlines is now being set up and plans to begin flight service to international destinations starting on November 1, just in time for the start of the 2007-2008 high season.

Civil Aviation Department Director General Chaisak Angkasuwan said the airline, with four investors including former Thai Airways International employee Kosol Vongsrisart, plans to fly to Norway, Germany and Australia by the end of the year.

The carrier intends to add flights to cities in the US and Japan within five years, he added.

K. Chaisak said the establishment of the airline, which takes advantage of Krabi Airport’s upgraded international status, would be completed very soon.

It will be the first fully scheduled airline using it as a base of operations, he said.

At first, the airline will service two international routes: to Oslo and Munich.

In the second phase, between this year and 2009, the airline plans to fly to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in Australia, plus one city in New Zealand.

K. Chaisak said the airline would use two Boeing 777-200ER aircraft in its first year, increasing the number of aircraft to five within five years and up to 10 by 2013.

The airline, targeting tourists from Europe as the main market, expects to run an average cabin factor of at least 70%, he said.

Over the longer term, starting in 2011 the airline plans to expand its routes to Vancouver, Canada; Los Angeles and San Francisco, California; Tokyo and Osaka in Japan; and Seoul.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s open-sky policy is key to encouraging investors to start an aviation business.

K. Chaisak added that more than 10 airlines were in the process of being established. Each is required to have a minimum 200 million baht in registered capital.

Most are intended to serve Asian markets, he said.

http://www.phuketgazette.com/news/index.asp?id=5773

[Ahoerstemeier]

They already have a website at http://www.krabi-airline.com - however still quite unfinished, with lots of "MainMenu 3" etc. The webcounter is currently at 2540...

[GWR]

Minor spreads its wings into the aviation business
Published on October 24, 2007

Minor Group chief executive and chairman William Heinecke has moved on up into aviation and will offer charter flights for well-heeled tourists.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/10/24/business/images/30053519-01.jpg
[Photo: The Nation]

The Citation X, above, is one of the aircraft Minor Aviation will use for high-end tourist charters. It has a longer range than the company’s CJ3, left.
Minor Aviation was established in 2006 as an air-charter and maintenance service. Heinecke holds 50 per cent, while an unnamed friend owns the remainder.

"To tap the growing airline business in Asia, Minor Aviation is now providing individuals and groups with comfort and convenience to popular destinations in Thailand and in the region," Heinecke said this week.

Charter flights are charged by the hour, plus parking and landing fees, airport taxes and pilot allowances.

Heinecke said the company expected to make Bt50 million in revenue this year and up to Bt100 million in 2008.

Minor Aviation flies charters to Singapore, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, India, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and throughout Thailand.

It will soon offer flights to the Middle East, Hong Kong and Japan with its new Cessna Citation X, which has a longer range than the CJ3.

Another Citation X is due for delivery in mid-2008 at a cost of US$21 million (Bt715 million).

Minor Aviation has Civil Aviation Department (CAD) certification to operate an unscheduled charter airline flying out of Don Mueang.

It caters to individuals, corporate clients and celebrities who want fast, flexible, hassle-free, private air transport.

Pilots and mechanics are US-trained and rated and certified in Thailand by the CAD.

Heinecke said the Asia-Pacific region was emerging as the fastest-growing aviation market, with its regional carriers having a 23-per-cent share in the world's airline market by revenue last year - or $119.86 billion. That is third after Europe and North America.

Hong Kong is the major player in the charter market, followed by Singapore.

"We may not beat Hong Kong with our geographical location, because it is aimed at China and other countries. But as for Singapore, we can compete in terms of both location and human resources. Thailand is one of the gateways to Asia in terms of trade and tourism, especially for its connection with Hong Kong and China," he said.

Minor Group is a big player in the luxury hotel and fast-food businesses. In 2005, Royal Garden Resorts and Minor were consolidated into Minor International.

The group operates nine JW Marriott and Four Seasons hotels in Thailand with a total of 1,955 rooms. It has a 122-room Anantara hotel in Vietnam.

Suchat Sritama
The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/10/24/business/business_30053519.php

[jpatokal]

Dodgy-looking Thai airline of the day, with the crappiest attempt at a website I've seen in a while:

http://www.krabi-airline.com

Tentative 1st Flight Operation

From Oslo (OSL) Norway to Krabi (KBV)
and from Munich (MUC) Germany to Krabi (KBV)
on 19 January 2008 respectively.

1. VISION.
Integrated Air and Surface Transport, Hotel and Tour Services with the Remarkable Differentiation.

2. POLICY
Virtually Efficient Performance in Driving Customer Intensive Care.

3. MISSION
1. Enhance all and activities to creative valued added to our customers.
2. Sharing with Governor, aerodrome, hotel, tours, and all connected entities to achieve win – win situation.
3. Caring the well-being of personnel with learning and growth organization.
4. Sustainable growth with transparent and good governance practice for shareholders.

[GWR]

Can you actually see a seaplane in the picture included in this article? It could be moored in front of the liner, but I'm not convinced of that even with a magnifier: :confused:

http://www.destinationair.com

Officers befuddled by seaplanes in Patong


http://www.phuketgazette.com/newsimages/bull1312008-6251-1.jpg
[Photo: Phuket Gazette - Phuket Vice-Governor Smith Palawatvichai and other senior officials are not sure what to do about seaplanes landing in Patong Bay after receiving complaints that the planes are noisy and jeopardize the safety of other people in the bay.]

PHUKET CITY: Destination Air seaplanes landing and taking off near the Amari Coral Beach Resort have left government officers in a spin about what to do with complaints about noise, safety and even fuel left floating in the planes’ wakes.

At a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, Kathu District Chief Khantee Silapa said, “For nearly three months I have received complaints from hotels, restaurants, local people and tourists on Patong Beach about seaplanes landing on Patong Bay near the Amari Coral Beach Resort.

“I filed the complaints with the Governor’s Office for consideration, which led to our initial meeting to discuss the matter on December 21.”

However, Phuket Vice-Governor Smith Palawatvichai said, “Seaplanes of Destination Air Co Ltd have permission from the Department of Civil Aviation [DCA] and Phuket International Airport [PIA] to land at predetermined points from November 11, 2007 to January 17, 2008, under nine conditions.”

The permit has been continued, he added.

“The sixth condition stipulates that the seaplanes cannot fly over communities or in no-fly zones, but I think they also have to avoid areas such as Patong Beach,” he said.

Sumalee Sumpao, from PIA, presented the CAA’s permission for Destination Air’s Cessna 208 and 206 amphibian aircraft to fly between Phuket International Airport and 31 landing points in Phuket, Phang Nga, Trang, Krabi and Ranong.

In Phuket, Destination Air has permission to land at Koh Racha Yai, Koh Racha Noi, Yacht Haven, Chalong Bay, Patong Beach, Cape Panwa, Koh Naka Noi and the north and south ends of Bang Tao Bay.

However, the permit does not specify the exact locations of the 31 take-off and landing points.

“This case is new for Phuket. We cannot just ignore complaints, nor can we ban the seaplanes from flying because they have permission,” V/Gov Smith said.

Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Decha Budnampetch pointed out deficiencies in administrative jurisdiction on the matter.

“We have to set rules. We have received complaints, but the seaplanes are allowed to fly in Phuket, so I cannot charge anyone.

“I worry that if there were an accident between a seaplane and a boat, diver or swimmer, I wouldn't know under which acts I could charge people.”

“The seaplanes have permission to land and take-off, but the local administrative organization has no idea about granting permission to land,” he added.

Pat James, Managing Director of Destination Air Co Ltd, explained that before landing the pilot is required to survey the landing spot and report to air traffic control whether he is clear to land.

Also, the pilot, with permission from the nearest air traffic control, has the authority to deviate from the scheduled flight path, he added.

However, Mr James said he would instruct his pilots to land further away from the shore and any hazards such as boats, but they will still land in Patong Bay.

It was agreed that the officers at the meeting would on Saturday be taken aboard a Destination Air seaplane and be shown in person exactly where the aircraft land – at no charge.

http://www.phuketgazette.com/news/index.asp?id=6251

http://www.destinationair.com/images/map_route.gif

[GWR]

See also previous post in this thread

Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Seaplanes ordered to land further from Patong shore

http://www.phuketgazette.com/newsimages/bull2122008-6273-1.jpg
[Photo: Phuket Gazette - The complaints investigation committee disembarks a Destination Air seaplane at the 300-meter-long pier near the Amari Coral Beach Resort. Photo by Yongyot Preurksarak.]

PHUKET: Phuket Vice-Governor Smith Palawatvichai this morning confirmed that Destination Air has been ordered to have its seaplanes that land on Patong Bay land further from the shore.

“After flying with Destination Air, I can now understand the noise problem, even though the planes take only about one-and-a-half minutes taking off.

“The planes should not disturb the tourists on Patong Beach much, but they still make a loud noise and they land here nearly every day,” he said.

“I have ordered them to land far away from any big hotels and resorts and have suggested that they have taxis pick up their customers from a landing point further away,” V/Gov Smith added.

“We would like to check all details of the conditions in the flight permit from the Department of Civil Aviation, such as what level of noise in decibels they are allowed, and we would also like to check the environmental effect of the planes, too,” he said.

V/Gov Smith leads the investigation committee into complaints made about the noise the planes make.

The committee also includes Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Col Chalit Tinthanee, Phuket City Police Traffic Inspector Maj Teerawat Leamsuwan, Phuket Marine Office 5 Chief Olarn Hengcharoen and Phuket Provincial Fisheries Office Chief Pairoh Sutthakarn.

Phuket, Thailand
20:13 local time (GMT +7)
http://www.phuketgazette.com/news/index.asp?id=6273

[GWR]

PB Air to drop flight
Published on February 24, 2008
PB Air will suspend its twice-weekly flights between Bangkok and Mae Hong Son next week.

"The new schedule will be announced later," marketing manager Waraporn Srisajjakul said yesterday.

The company did not give any reason, only saying the route would not be serviced from the beginning of March.

Flights 9Q834 and 835 were launched on November 1 last year with Embraer ERJ145 aircraft.

Wisut Buachum, head of the Mae Hong Son tourist service centre, said the move was due to massive smoke from forest fires that burn in March and April.

But if the airline reopened its service it would be a wonderful opportunity for tour companies across the country and around the world to bring visitors to relish the beautiful scenery of the area.

They could also make advance plans for their trips, he added.

The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/02/24/headlines/headlines_30066266.php

[GWR]

Dodgy-looking Thai airline of the day, with the crappiest attempt at a website I've seen in a while:

http://www.krabi-airline.com

Krabi Airlines ready to operate in August


(BangkokPost.com) - Visitors from Scandinavian countries visiting "the Land of Smiles" now have something to really smile about.

Newly established Krabi Airlines, due to operate in August, will offer two flights a week from a Scandinavian country direct to Krabi airport.

Krabi Airline’s marketing director, Mr Kosol Wongsrisart, said the airline’s bases will be located in Oslo, Norway’s capital and in Munich, Germany.

“We prefer not to call ourselves a low-cost airline because our plan is to offer business class seats only aboard our 747-300 aircraft. The cost of flying may be higher than other airlines, but we offer direct flights and impeccable service,” he said.


http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=126580

[jpatokal]

“We prefer not to call ourselves a low-cost airline because our plan is to offer business class seats only aboard our 747-300 aircraft. The cost of flying may be higher than other airlines, but we offer direct flights and impeccable service,” he said.

But their own website (http://www.krabi-airline.com/index.php?lay=show&ac=article&Id=445492) says:

Aircraft ; B747 – 300 Seat Capacity; 24C 430Y

That is, 24 business-class seats and 430 economy. :confused:

[GWR]

See also previous post in this thread
http://www.phuketgazette.com/news/index.asp?id=6273

Gov suspends Patong seaplane service

http://www.phuketgazette.com/newsimages/bull442008-6385-1.jpg
[Photo: Phuket Gazette - DESTINATION WHERE? Phuket Governor Niran Kalayanamit has ordered Destination Air to stop its seaplane service to Patong until it complies with all Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) regulations. Photo by Yongyot Preurksarak.

PHUKET: Citing complaints of noise pollution and threats to public safety, Phuket Governor Niran Kalayanamit yesterday ordered Destination Air to stop its seaplane shuttle flights to and from Patong Bay until the company complies with all Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) regulations.

At a two-hour meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, Gov Niran called a halt to the flights after conferring with three representatives from the DCA as well as hotel managers leading the opposition to the flights and local officials.

The DCA representatives and Gov Niran noted that although Destination Air was issued a permit to operate non-scheduled flights to several destinations along the Andaman Coast until 2011, the permit granted by the DCA was based on an Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) to operate in a marine national park in Krabi.

DCA Deputy Director-General Wuthichai Singhamanee admitted that the DCA was unaware of actual conditions in Patong when it granted the permit.

Officials in Bangkok knew it was a popular tourist destination but had no idea how densely populated it actually was, K. Wuthichai said.

Destination Air’s permit specifies several conditions of operation, including the use of safety buoys to mark landing and takeoff zones and the obligation to ferry passengers from plane to shore by boat, which must also warn other vessels in the area before landings and takeoffs.

Instead, there was solid evidence that the planes have been flying low over resorts before landing, then taxiing to a floating dock, K. Wuthichai said.

The DCA may suspend the permit if the carrier is found to be violating the conditions under which the permit was granted, he said.

Destination Air’s listing of a flight schedule on its website and promotional brochures was also a problem because Destination Air’s permit was granted strictly for non-scheduled flights, K. Wuthichai added.

Gov Niran said he decided to halt the flights until Destination Air can prove it will comply with all DCA conditions.

The carrier can resume its service to Patong after it submits a new IEE for its operations in the area and convinces the DCA that it will abide by all the terms listed in its flight permit, he said.
http://www.phuketgazette.com/news/index.asp?id=6385

[GWR]

Monday, April 7, 2008
Destination Air flies on

PHUKET: The managing director of Destination Air has described Phuket Governor Niran Kalayanamit’s order to suspend flight service to Patong as “anticlimactic”, saying the airline had for months been scheduled to wrap up operations in Patong because of unsafe monsoon-season conditions now setting in.

Pat James told the Gazette that the governor's decision, taken in the wake of complaints about noise pollution and safety concerns, would have little effect on the company or its customers.

“There is really no reaction from Destination Air to the order, as we were closing out the season anyway. The monsoon winds have already changed and we made arrangements two weeks ago to move our pontoons.

“The governor and everyone were well aware that we were moving everything out of there for the season. It changes absolutely nothing in terms of our scheduling because April 7 was our last day for the season. We can’t go in there now; weather conditions don’t allow it,” he said.

“This is short term. They have asked us to conduct a couple of studies and we are working closely with the Department of Civil Aviation [DCA] and the environmental people, as we have been for the past three to four months.

“The DCA is satisfied that Destination Air was landing and flying in authorized areas. Some people secretly made videos of our takeoffs and landings, but those just confirmed to the DCA that we were operating where we were entitled to be.

“As far as the pollution and the noise, they also did some checks and determined that the levels were acceptable,” he added.

Mr James said Destination Air expect to be operating fully in Patong next high season, though it will transfer passengers by boat rather than taxiing to a floating dock.

“It’s the same as we do at all our other 36 authorized locations,” he said.

Destination Air will comply with the DCA’s request for a new Initial Environmental Evaluation for both the environmental and procedural processes for operating in Patong, and will also apply for a permit to operate as a scheduled carrier, he added.

“We discussed advertising scheduled flights with the DCA and they asked us to begin the process to become a scheduled carrier, so we’ll start the procedure. Between now and then we will not post a schedule. We will have morning and afternoon flights available, but we will not market ourselves as a scheduled airline.

“The announcement was somewhat anticlimactic as far as we are concerned, because there was nothing that resulted from the meeting that wasn’t already pre-planned many months ago. The outcome of the meeting did not surprise anyone; it was anticipated,” he said.

Mr James said he suspects the suspension order to have been a way of pleasing those in opposition to the service.

“The service that Destination Air offers the community and the tourism industry is tremendous for high-end customers, the four- and five-star customers that the governor wants to attract to the area. If you ask if this affects Destination Air in any way, it does, only in the sense that we have a little more work to do over the monsoon season to reinstate ourselves as a more ‘community friendly’ service to the area,” Mr James said.

“As far as our customers are concerned, the main difference will be that instead of being able to walk on and off in a more convenient manner, now we will simply be doing it from a bit further offshore,” he said.

Phuket, Thailand
12:05 local time (GMT +7)
http://www.phuketgazette.net/news/index.asp?id=6385