AISA: Reuters recently posted the following: Thailand will start building the 290 billion baht ($8.82 billion) U-Tapao aviation city early this year, according to a government spokesperson on Friday.

According to the source, the project will create 15,600 new jobs in the first five years and drive growth in Thailand’s aviation industry.

The investment plan calls for transforming the Vietnam-era U-Tapao airport into a new international airport connected to a budget terminal, Don Muang airport, and the country’s main Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The public-private project in Thailand’s industrial east will cover 1,040 hectares (2,570 acres) and is aimed at attracting tourists.

According to a government website, the “Eastern Aviation City” project will also include a cargo-free trade zone, an aviation training center, and aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities.