Global-focused NokScoot faces long climb

NokScoot is trying to get a grip on its battle with the coronavirus pandemic, while acknowledging that its healing period may take longer in comparison with other airlines because of its dependence on international routes. The low-cost carrier, a joint venture of Nok Airlines and Singapore's Scoot, saw revenue jump 23.7%, from 5.8b baht in 2018 to 7.2b baht last year, as it carried 1.59m passengers, up from 1.16m. But a reversal is on the cards this year as aviation players are hit hard by the coronavirus. "Our recovery may come with a slower pace compared with other local airlines, which also have domestic routes to cushion the impact," said Yodchai Sudhidhanakul, CE of NokScoot. Restarting international flights will require more time to ensure that both Thailand and foreign destinations have the outbreak under control. Yodchai said China exemplifies how travel activity is improving and tourist flow is restarting within the country. Thailand will follow suit with domestic routes restarting at first. Due to travel restrictions in many countries, Thailand included, NokScoot temporarily suspended all international flights from March 25 to April 30. Yodchai said all airlines are facing a liquidity crisis as they contend with fixed costs while grounding entire fleets. "Even though every airline must be prepared for a three-month liquidity crunch, in case of unexpected circumstances, the ongoing pandemic is likely to last longer than we've planned," he said.<br/>