THAILAND. State-owned Airports of Thailand generated THB6,871.08 million (US$219 million) in non-aeronautical revenues for the first quarter ended 31 December 2018, up 7.94% and representing 44% of group income.
Aeronautical revenues rose 3.37% to THB8,525.36 million (US$272 million).
Concession revenues (mainly from King Power International’s duty free and related businesses) made up 63% of non-aeronautical income, and increased 10.31% to THB4,336.29 million (US$138 million).
Airports of Thailand said concession revenue growth was in line with an increase in the number of passengers and customers in the six airports controlled by the airport group, which include Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International. Traffic rose by 2.75% to 35.59 million, comprising 20.42 million international and 15.17 million domestic passengers.
“The overall aviation industry of Thailand during October 2018 to December 2018 has improved compared to the same period last year, due to growth in the tourism sector,” said Airports of Thailand in a statement. “Support from the Thai government for tourism helps increase the number of visitors, especially tourists from India and European countries.
“This has helped compensate for a short-term decline in Chinese tourists. However, Chinese tourists are still the main nationality travelling to Thailand. In addition, the visa-on-arrival fee waiver for tourists will return the number of Chinese tourists to normal.”
Airports of Thailand said the ongoing expansion of low cost airlines was a positive development both for the aviation industry and Thailand’s economy, as it led to price competition and thus cheaper air fares and more flight routes.
