Troubled Nok to improve fleet efficiency, seek alternative revenue sources

Thai low-cost carrier Nok Air, which recently filed for business rehabilitation, will improve fleet efficiency, seek alternative revenue streams, and adjust its marketing efforts - all in a bid to reduce costs. The latest move comes as the troubled carrier’s securities were given the ‘caution’ sign by the Thai stock exchange, because its shareholder equity has fallen below 50% of its paid-up capital. Outlining its plans to turn the business around, Nok says it hopes to improve fleet efficiency by adding more night flights, improving its maintenance scheduling and adjusting its fleet. Nok did not elaborate, except to state that these will help reduce costs. The carrier operates 14 Boeing 737-800s and eight Bombardier Q400 turboprops. The carrier adds that it will review its network and fleet strategy “to reflect [international travel] restrictions” in the short term. “For the long-term, the company plans for international expansion as international air travel becomes viable,” states Nok, without providing any details. The carrier currently operates only a domestic network.<br/>