An investment worth around US$9 billion (AU$12 billion) will see an entire “aviation city” being built in East Thailand, with works on the public-private project due to start this year. Of course, this means we won’t see Thailand’s Eastern Aviation City spring up for many years, but it’s exciting news nonetheless, especially for those with more than a surface interest in the direction of the aviation industry.
Located in the country’s industrial east, just outside the city of Rayong, Eastern Aviation City will replace the current Vietnam War–era U-Tapao airport with a new international terminal, linked with a dedicated budget airport – Don Muang Airport – and the country’s main Suvarnabhumi international airport. All in all, this will cover around 2,570 acres of land, propping up an entire city that also includes a free trade zone for commodities, a Smart Eco Hub retail area, an entertainment-packed culture village, a flight training centre and an aircraft maintenance centre.
According to the Thai government, the Eastern Aviation City project will generate over 15,000 jobs in the first five years and will help immeasurably to drive growth in Thailand’s integral tourism sector.
Once completed, U-Tapao International Airport will have enough capacity to handle up to 75 million passengers per year, which will greatly assist that region’s tourism industry and better connect Thailand with the rest of the world.
One Works has been appointed as the lead designer for East Aviation City, although only a few details have so far been confirmed by the firm. We do know that the exterior of the Passenger Terminal Building will draw inspiration from the traditional fishing nets so emblematic of the Rayong Province. The interior should have plenty of large skylights and greenery as well, helping build a modern look that blends contemporary comfort with a showcase of Thai culture’s many colours.
We’ll update this article when more information is released about Thailand’s East Aviation City.
