Bidding for the first three construction projects under the second-phase expansion of Suvarnabhumi airport is expected to open in March, the chairman of the Airports of Thailand board said.
Board chairman Prasong Poontaneat revealed progress in the airport's second-phase development comprising seven projects worth 51 billion baht.
The first stage consists of three construction projects worth 18 billion baht.
The terms of reference are being drawn up for the three projects, with work expected to begin in June once bidding is complete and contractors chosen, he said.
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The expansion involves a 2.56-billion-baht project to install public utility systems including an electricity system, a water supply system, and a chill water system for air conditioners.
It also involves the construction of an airport apron -- a paved strip around airport hangars and terminals -- covering 960,000 square metres of land and capable of accommodating 28 jetliners including eight the size of A-380 super jumbos; the construction of taxiways leading to the new apron, and underground structures. The total cost is estimated at 14.9 billion baht.
Details for the other four projects are being worked out, Mr Prasong said.
They include a 17.4-billion-baht project to build a midfield satellite concourse building, and a south-end tunnel linking the existing tunnel to the planned concourse building.
Other projects involves the 4.68-billion-baht extension of the east-end passenger terminal and a car park building, the 2.8-billion-baht installation of an automated people mover or monorail system to connect the new extended terminal and the existing one, and the 6.1-billion-baht installation of a baggage handling system and an explosive detection system.
Bidding for the remaining four projects are expected to be called this year. Work under the second-phase expansion is expected to be completed in 2019, Mr Prasong said.
When completed, the phase 2 expansion of Suvarnabhumi will be able to handle up to 60 million passengers a year, he said. The current capacity of the airport is 45 million passengers a year.