Construction on the Eastern Aviation City is ready for takeoff this year after the Government of Thailand gave the green gentle for work to begin on the 290 billion baht (US$8.8bn) venture. No official date has been confirmed but work is scheduled to start earlier than June.
The original project was officially signed in June 2020. Classified was made between the Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand and U-Tapao International Aviation Company. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha chaired the signing ceremony at Government House on Friday, June 19, 2020.
The project initially stuttered due to the Covid-19 pandemic however after over three years of interruptions, work can finally get underway.
The former U-Tapao Airport, from the Vietnam War period, which serves Chon Buri, and Rayong provinces, will be transformed into a global airport in Rayong, linked to Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports through high-speed rail, with a price range terminal.
The 1,040 hectares site will embrace an airport terminal and services for a cargo-free commerce zone, aviation training, and plane MRO.
Government spokeswoman Tipanan Sirichana reported that the Eastern Aviation City project, a public-private partnership, will create 15,600 jobs in its first 5 years and enhance the aviation business. It aims to attract tourists and is expected to deal with 60-75 million passengers annually at U-Tapao International Airport.
Simple Flying revealed the global design and consultancy firm One Work’s has been appointed to create the master plan for Eastern Aviation City
The airport will have a Smart Eco Hub Retail and Culture Village to entertain visitors.
In December, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways International Public Company signed an MOU to reinforce benefits for their passengers, starting with codesharing flights between Singapore and Bangkok.
The project will also create a enterprise development hub 30 kilometres around the airport..