Nok Air plans profit from route expansions

Nok Air aims a turnaround to profit this year thanks to expansion of domestic and international routes. With a focus on cost-cutting plans, higher capacity and aircraft utilisation this year, the airline hopes to avoid a loss. Nok Air posted a net loss of 1.9b baht last year. “Our target is to turnaround from a loss to a profit,” said Piya Yodmani, Nok’s CE. The airline wants total revenue to increase by 3b baht to 17.8b this year. In 2018, Nok Air aims to raise passenger numbers by 4% to reach 9m, up from 8m last year, as well as increase available seat kilometres by 29%. For network expansion, it will continue focusing more on the mainland China market by increasing frequencies on existing routes or adding more routes. This year, the airline plans to operate new flights to the India market, expected to start in June 2018. “Expansion into overseas markets will be able to help Nok Air to increase revenue from international flights operation to 40% from 20% last year,” Piya said. The airline’s 2018 growth plan should further strengthen collaborations with two partner groups — THAI Group and Value Alliance (a group of low-cost airlines), he said.<br/>