Thailand’s Visionary Leap: US$8.8bn ‘Eastern Aviation City’ Set to Soar in Easter Provinces

• 21 January 2024
• Construction Focus
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In a groundbreaking venture, Thailand is poised to construct the ambitious ‘Eastern Aviation City,’ a cutting-edge transportation hub set to revolutionize the nation’s east coast. With a staggering budget of US$8.8 billion, this transformative project encompasses the expansion of U-Tapao International Airport and the birth of Eastern Airport City, marking it as Thailand’s most expansive undertaking to date. Bentley Systems, a key player in the project, revealed the grand vision on 7 January 2024.

Nestled in the heart of Rayong province, the sprawling 1,040-hectare aviation city is slated to become a pivotal commercial and cultural nexus, luring tourists to explore the tropical archipelago that surrounds it. Distinctively designed to epitomise sustainability and modernity, this avant-garde airport is a testament to Thailand’s commitment to ushering in a new era of aviation excellence.

The infrastructural marvel includes plans to connect the historic U-Tapao airport—harking back to its usage by the United States during the Vietnam War—to the Don Mueang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi International Airport. A high-speed rail network will seamlessly link these three airports, collectively accommodating a staggering 200 million passengers annually. This interconnectivity is not just a feat of engineering; it’s a strategic move to fortify Thailand’s position as a global aviation hub.

Executing this colossal plan involves meticulous coordination among architectural, engineering, and construction design teams. Bentley’s ProjectWise technology has been instrumental in harmonising project materials, ensuring a streamlined and efficient development process.

As the ‘Eastern Aviation City’ project advances through its four meticulously planned phases, it heralds a new era in air travel. Once completed, U-Tapao Airport will not only cater to passenger flights but also emerge as a pivotal hub for air transport, bolstering Thailand’s standing in the global aviation landscape.

• Business and Market
• Digital and Smart City
• Mega Infrastructure and Engineering
• Airport and Aviation
• Bentley