AOT unveils 4-point strategy, paving way to green airports
Authority explains how it is planning to turn the six airports under its management into more environmentally friendly facilities
The Airports of Thailand (AOT) has unveiled a strategy to transform six international airports under its management into “green” airports, in line with the country’s net zero emission policy.
The AOT manages Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang, Phuket and Hat Yai airports, which account for 95% of domestic and international flights.
The strategy for green airports focuses on four main aspects: Connectivity, system integration, sustainability, and airport size, Jakkraphob Jarassri, AOT’s chief advisor for engineering and construction, said.
He was speaking at the seminar "Road to Net Zero 2024: The Extraordinary Green", hosted by Thansettakij newspaper on Thursday.
Jakkraphob explained that for the connectivity component, the AOT aims to improve its facilities and link with other transport networks, including railways and ferries to ensure seamless travel to popular destinations throughout Thailand.
The AOT also aims to integrate all related systems including the immigration process, ticket and hotel reservations on one platform for the convenience of travellers, he added.
For the sustainability aspect, AOT’s airports will prioritise maintaining a sustainable environment in collaboration with communities around the airport, with a focus on minimising long-term environmental impacts from airport operations.
“As for airport size, we realised that large airports are not always necessary, and will try to keep these suitable for users’ needs while still maintaining efficiency and convenience,” said Jakkraphob.
He added that to support Thailand’s bid to reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector, the AOT has been monitoring the use of energy at its airports, which mostly come from air conditioning and other airport systems.
“We try to reduce energy usage to minimize greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible,” he said. “The AOT also plans to purchase carbon credits in the future to offset the portion of emissions that we cannot reduce.”
