Bangkok Airways has introducedThailand's eastern coastal province of Trat on the aviation map with the opening of its third privately owned airport in April 18, 2003.

The first service Bangkok to Trat, a total distance of some 320 kms, has reduced travel time from 4-5 hours to just 45 minutes.

By thus improving business links, the new airport provided an economic stimulus for both Trat and the neighbouring province of Chantaburi, about 70 kms away.

The province comprises tremendous tourism potential. With boat services to the paradise islands of Chang and its neighbours only 10 kms away, the new route is expected to be an instant hit with beach holiday lovers.

Future plans for the airport involve introducing services to other important business centres and tourist destinations in Thailand's south, northeast and northern regions, and eventually expanding to neighbouring countries.

Its impact should be quite dramatic given that travel time by road from Trat through Bangkok to Hat Yai, Thailand's biggest southern city, is currently about 20 hours. Samui and Phuket are just a little more than an hour away.

Like it's sister airports at Samui and Sukhothai, Trat Airport is being built in a spirit of genuine respect for the local people, their culture and environment - from stylish architecture to contemporary wastewater treatment facilities to uncompromising safety standards.

The runway is 1,800 meters long by 45 meters wide while the airport is located on a total plot of 1,200 rai.

Dr. Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth, President & CEO Bangkok Airways comments: "The project was conceived with a view to complementing the government's regional economic development policies while offering tourists another choice destination to tempt them to Thailand and the region and, on both counts, we expect great success."