Luxury travel is ever-changing. The private jet set to Phuket may have their superyachts waiting for them upon arrival if not their opulent ocean-front villas.
As indulgent trends go, it is not unusual that private jet interiors are being designed by yacht designers. One choice of the ‘Top 5’ private jets designed by yacht designers according to Boat International’s recent choices is Boeing’s 747-800. Renowned for designing beautiful sailing yachts including Obsession II, along with some wild superyacht concepts, PierreJean Design Studiohas also created interiors for some very well-appointed private jets. The outstanding Boeing 747-800 featuring huge living areas and a spiral staircase leading to a cinema-style entertainment space is one sample.
In an ideal situation, Phuket would welcome this upper echelons with open arms. Yet, there seems to be distress in paradise.
In a Travel Weekly Asia article, August 2015, writer Alasdair Forbes states that, “…at the height of the tourist “high” season [December-January], all private aircraft flights into Phuket were rejected. After January 5, the bar on private jets was removed, but the rules were still tight: only five flights in and out per day, with permission for overnight parking granted only to small jets.
This meant that any aircraft with more than about six seats could set passengers down but then had to fly out and park somewhere else until called back to pick them up again. In addition, any request for flight approval had to be made here days in advance.”
Over 2000 private jet movements take place annually in Thailand with easily more than 400 of those in Phuket each year. Without question, global jetsetters have the desire and the means to enjoy Thailand’s touristic sights and enhance its coffers.
Unlike Bangkok, Phuket International Airport does not currently have a place to park the private planes, nor does the ‘pearl of the Andaman’ have a FBO (fixed-base operator) facilities or VIP lounge.
Bangkok-based MJets, with the largest fleet in Thailand, offers world-class service, while continuing to lead private aviation in Thailand and South-East Asia. MJets co-founder and one of Thailand’s top 10 CEO’s, Bill Heinecke states that, “Phuket has not been able to get slot control for private jets coming to Phuket. Lacking an FBO and a dedicated parking apron makes it difficult for private jets.” With MJets facilities being ranked 1st in Asia and 4th in the eastern part of the world by the independent AIN (Aviation International News) in 2015, Heinecke speaks with strong field knowledge.
Efforts by another large player and jet-setter may soon change Phuket’s lack of private jet accommodation. CP GROUP (Charoen Pokphand Group), Thailand’s largest private company and one of world’s biggest conglomerates is no slouch. They were the first and main investors in China and have investments in over 20 countries. On home ground, CP Group’s subsidiary Siam Land Flying Co (SLF) agrees that there is great need for opening a private jet terminal and FBO in Phuket. The estimated project cost is 200 million baht. In 2015 SLF bought land around the airport and won approval from Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) to build and run a private jet terminal and provide support services to general aviation operators at Phuket airport. SLF have engaged in private aircraft charters and air ambulance services for 24 years. They plan to consolidate their aviation-related business into reality. Seemingly, to date, terms and conditions with Phuket’s AoT are yet to be finalised.
We all applaud the recent opening to the new and exciting international terminal at Phuket International Airport for commercial aircraft. However in a recent telephone call to AoT, asking if there was a private jet terminal and FBO in Phuket, the AoT suggested that contacting the private jet terminal (MJets) at Bangkok would be better. “Now we do not have a private jet terminal in Phuket,” said AoT’s information center representative.
To capture the private jet market segment, and echoing the sentiments of many small jet owners and affiliated businesses, Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks, Phuket states simply, “the game changer is a new private jet terminal.”
Phuket may be an ultimate place to host private jets designed (or not designed) by yacht designers. As Asia’s top ocean playground, the fortunate few would fly in on their private jet to meet their superyacht awaiting them in the Andaman Sea. This popular seaside province has yet to grow to meet this newer demand. Perhaps the SLF’s plan with AoT might get off the ground soon. Let the new games begin.