Many countries are slowly reopening their borders to travelers from all over the globe. Thailand is taking it up a notch by opening a private jet terminal in Phuket, one of the nation’s leading travel destinations. Siam Land Private Jet Terminal is a full-service facility dedicated to exclusive and private aircraft. It was unveiled in Phuket last December 2021 and is expected to have a full commercial opening by the end of February 2022.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Phuket’s Governor were among the guests during the grand opening ceremony
The plans to build a private jet terminal in Phuket started as early as 2015. The objective is to provide a more holistic travel experience for affluent jet setters visiting the famous tropical island. The terminal is seen to alleviate the heavy traffic experienced in Phuket’s main airport, which caters to numerous commercial flights per day, particularly during the peak seasons. Due to the air traffic, most private jets are diverted to nearby islands, which steers the flow of luxury visitors away from Phuket.
The five-star jet terminal is located on a 17-rai land in Mai Kao, Talang District, on the northern side of the Phuket International Airport. It features 7,000 square meters of hangar space and 12,000 square meters of apron space for parking. The terminal can house up to seven large jets such as the Gulfstream G650 and the Bombardier Global 6500, even ultra-large business jets like the Boeing Business Jet and the Airbus Corporate Jet.
Additionally, Siam Land Private Jet Terminal can accommodate up to 1,200 flights per year while offering high-quality maintenance support catered by licensed aircraft engineers from the Siam Land Flying team. The terminal also provides top-notch ground handling standards that have been certified by the National Air Transportation Association.
The terminal uses fully electric vehicles and ground support equipment to help promote sustainability and reduce detrimental effects on the environment. The terminal building sits on 1,200 square meters of land. It offers top-rate facilities such as VIP lounges, onsite Immigration, Customs, Disease Control services, and other amenities such as shuttle service, hotel reservations, tour and recreation bookings, tourism assistance, and in-flight dining services.
Inside amenities of the private jet terminal. Photo: Bangkok Post
With a dedicated private jet terminal, it will become easier for Phuket to cement its reputation further as one of Asia’s top destinations catering to local and foreign tourists with high purchasing power and those who prioritize comfort, convenience, and opulence when traveling. The promise of a bespoke travel experience will complement Phuket’s unparalleled repertoire of high-end resorts, exclusive vacation villas, fine dining restaurants, breathtaking beaches, and a wide array of luxury facilities ranging from yachting marinas and golf clubs to casinos, beach clubs, and expansive shopping areas.
The Siam Land Private Jet Terminal is operated by Siam Land Flying Co., a subsidiary of the Charoen Pokphand (C.P.) Group. Established in 1991, this private jet operator initially served as a private flight department for the company’s executives. It eventually expanded its services to luxury private jet charters within Southeast Asia under Executive Wings launched in 1998 and Medical Wings launched in 1999.
Medical Wings is an air ambulance service known as the first Asian operator to be recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (2015) and the European Aero-Medical Institute (2016).
Siam Land Flying’s goal for Phuket’s private jet terminal is to gain recognition among luxury customers as a facility that provides the utmost safety and convenience. It aims to achieve a reputable image through impeccable and world-class service standards.
Private planes on a landing strip. Photo: Bangkok Post
The opening of this facility is predicted to have a positive effect not just on vacationers but also on other stakeholders. The opening of the private jet terminal will help provide more job opportunities for the locals both onsite and on other tourism businesses in the area. At the same time, the terminal can also cater to business people and investors who prefer to travel via private aircraft, making it easy for them to fly to Phuket to invest in local businesses.
Related Article: Private Jet Charter vs. First-Class Flights: Which One Is the Best for You?
With the dawn of the new normal tourism upon us, the use of private jets among high-end travelers is becoming increasingly popular. Aside from ensuring comfort, exclusivity, and privacy, traveling through private jets also help minimize contact with other people in the airport and aboard flights. These factors help increase people’s confidence to travel again, subsequently helping enhance the travel industry and economy of the destination.
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Photos: Executive Wings Operated by Siam Land Flying Co., Ltd.
