Nok Air anticipating expansion

Nok Air is expecting to gain a windfall during the partial lockdown as other airlines have reduced flights or suspended operations. Meanwhile, its long-term plan is to add more aircraft as tourism rebounds. CE Wutthiphum Jurangkool said more passengers are choosing to buy tickets at Don Mueang airport after their flights were cancelled, similar to the lockdown in April last year. Nok Air has 20 flights scheduled per day, down from 40-60 flights prior to the third wave. He said the airline is trying to maintain its flight schedule to preserve its customer base and stands ready to add frequency when there is demand for essential travel and medical purposes. Before the partial Covid-19 lockdown, the cabin factor was 60% and the overall cabin factor in July is expected to be 60%-70%. "Even though the airline is operating with a loss of 100,000-200,000 baht per flight for jet fuel, a value that excludes back-office operations and other fees, we have to carry on serving passengers," Wutthiphum said.<br/>