Nok Air preps more routes

Nok Air is planning to operate more inter-provincial routes, starting with Nakhon Ratchasima-Chiang Mai, as well as resume international flights to Vietnam by mid-2022. Nok Air CE Wutthiphum Jurangkool said the airline is studying opportunities for cross-regional flights, particularly at the abandoned Nakhon Ratchasima airport and the new Betong airport in southern Yala province, to facilitate travel and create more economic activities. Without air transport, people have to spend five hours travelling from Hat Yai to Betong by road. People from the provinces without direct flights to their destination also have to wait for 2-3 hours for transit flights at Don Mueang airport. The Nakhon Ratchasima-Chiang Mai route may initially start with 2-3 flights per week, with tickets priced at less than 2,000 baht, he said. The airline is also planning a route from Nakhon Ratchasima to Phuket and Hat Yai based on seasonal demand, as well as a connection between Hat Yai with Betong. Wutthiphum said most airlines faced losses from operations at Nakhon Ratchasima airport because the aircraft they used were too big based on average passenger demand of 70-80 people per flight. "Nok Air will use Q400 jets, which have an 86-seat capacity, but we have to receive approval from the Transport Ministry to bring in six new aircraft," he said.<br/>