Nok Air: new planes, int. routes

[Yappofloyd]

Given all of the domestic routes that Thai Air wishes to offload onto Nok Air they really need to increase the fleet beyond a couple of turboprops.

Nok considers Phrae, Roi Et Bkk Post 24/03/2010

Nok Airlines, the budget carrier affiliate of Thai Airways International, is eyeing Phrae and Roi Et to grow its secondary domestic route network. The two proposed routes, from Nok's hub at Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport, could open next year.

The launch will require two additional ATR-72 turboprops, which would be sought abroad, to join two similar aircraft leased from THAI. "We are exploring the opportunities to fly to Phrae and Roi Et as people there are very keen to see their provinces being connected again by air," said Nok chief executive Patee Sarasin.

Roi Et was last served by PB Air, the private airline founded by Boon Rawd Brewery baron Piya Bhirom-Bhakdi. The airline's closing in November ended flights to Lampang, Mae Sot, Nan, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Buri Ram and Roi Et.

While some PB Air routes have since been covered by Nok and Bangkok Airways, there are still no flights from Bangkok to Mae Sot and Nan.

Nok has taken on three PB Air routes - from Don Mueang to Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom and Buri Ram - using ATR-72s leased from THAI.Bangkok Airways began to cover Lampang, which was once served by PB Air, by extending its route from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sukhothai from last month. The service to Lampang is operated by 70-seat ATR-72 aircraft.

Nok is also using two ATR-72 planes leased from THAI on the Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son route, which it took over from the flag carrier this month.

The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has been encouraging existing airlines, and newly licensed carriers like Nakhon Chiangmai Air and Legacy Air, to re-establish air links with several provinces following the demise of PB Air. Nok operates more than 45 domestic flights a day, mostly on domestic trunk routes including Chiang Mai and Phuket with five B737-400 jets.

Meanwhile, Mr Patee reported better-than-expected results for Nok's operations so far this year, with a net profit of 54 million baht in January and 43 million baht in February. A profit of 52 million baht is expected for this month.

Airlines with domestic flights are benefiting from the political protests in Bangkok, with residents flying from the capital to the provinces whenever the opportunity arises, he said.

Nok expects its net profit for 2010 to beat last year's 334 million baht.

[ncr]

Why THAI won't invest in Nok Air - Bangkok Post

Published: 3/08/2010 at 04:45 PM
Online news: Aviation

Thai Airways International (THAI) has turned to a joint investment in a new low-fare airline with Tiger Airways because Nok Airlines could not come up with a marketing strategy to expand its business, THAI board chairman Ampon Kittiampon said on Tuesday. Mr Ampon said THAI's market share had fallen due to the competition from fast-growing low-cost carriers. The number of THAI flights within the region plunged from 40 per cent to 10 per cent of the market, while its domestic flights dropped from 50 per cent to 30 per cent. If there are no improvements over the next two years the impact on THAI will be severe, he said. "THAI had been trying discuss a plan to raise its holding in Nok Air from 39 per cent to 49 per cent so it would be more competitive in the low-cost market, but Nok Air was unable to propose a strategy. This is why the THAI board is finding ways to develop its own low-cost airline," he said.

The board chairman said the joint venture plan was proposed by the board members and the plan needed to be considered as it was a business opportunity. "We (THAI) have had talks with Nok Air CEO Patee Sarasin but Nok Air doesn't want to develop itself into a super low-cost airline," he said. Nok Air was not in a position to expand its international routes and therefore THAI had joined forces with Tiger Airways Holdings, he said. However, he said, there was no conflict between THAI and Nok Air. “THAI will press ahead with the joint venture as the co-investment process is in line with the law. As a listed firm, THAI has already reported its new investment plan to the Stock exchange of Thailand. As a state enterprise, the national flag carrier has also proceeded as required by the state enterprise law,” Mr Ampon said.

The THAI chairman said he was ready to clarify to the transport minister any suspicions about the co-investment plan, which was approved by the board of directors of THAI. The Finance Ministry, as THAI's major shareholder, will be asked to consider joint venture proposal, he said. Singapore's Tiger Airways was already well-known in Europe and it was regarded as a 'super low-cost' airline, he said. He was confident that THAI’s 100 million baht investment would be returned within three years. Mr Ampon said if THAI does not get involved in the low cost airlines business, which is growing by 10 per cent and 20 per cent annually, it will lose its markets. THAI and Tiger Airways on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding to create Thai Tiger Airways, 51 per cent owned by THAI and 49 per cent by Tiger, to operate flights out of Suvarnabhumi Airport from early next year.

(See this thread for news about Thai Tiger.)

[Yappofloyd]

Even 'without investment from the parent', Nok profits soar and the airline flew over 3m pax last year. Looking to lease more aircraft and expand the network this year but will they make the same mistake they did a few years ago of expanding to rapidly?

Nok performance hits record - But slower growth expected in 2011 , BKK Post 02/02/2011
Nok Air finished 2010 with record earnings and revenue and envisages continued growth this year despite negative factors such as slower economic expansion and rising fuel costs. The budget airline posted an 83.9% jump in its net profit last year to 618 million baht from 336 million in 2009, as Thailand's robust economic growth drove travel demand.

Passenger revenue surged by 37% to 3.97 billion baht, while passenger numbers increased by 43.5% to 3.1 million, final figures recently reported to the airline's board showed. The results were the best since the airline began operations in July 2004 and reflect a further improvement in its balance sheet.

Nok Air has been gradually recovering from a financial crisis ever since launching a dramatic rationalisation in mid-2008 to contain losses stemming from a spiking oil price, global economic turbulence and overexpansion including the launch of international service to Vietnam and India.

But the airline expects a lower profit this year due to rises in crude oil prices and slower GDP growth expected to be roughly half of last year's 7.9%. "We would rather be conservative in our projection than too optimistic," said chief executive Patee Sarasin. The airline got off to a good start in 2011 with a January net profit of 60 million baht. "That bodes well for profitability during all of 2011," he said. However, the airline, 39% owned by Thai Airways International, expects other figures will continue to improve. Passenger revenue is expected to rise to 5.4 billion baht, with volume setting a record of 3.8 million.

The 2011 projections are based on operation of 10 Boeing 737-400s and two ATR-72 turboprops and an expanded network cover 20 destinations nationwide. Mr Patee said discussions were under way to lease seven Boeing 737-800s and four more ATR-72 turboprops following board approval last November.

The airline plans to include the newer, more advanced and more capable 737 jets in its fleet in stages starting next year as part of a conversion programme to phase out "classic" 737-400s, some leased from THAI. Nok Air will obtain delivery of two ATR-72s in September and another two next year aimed at supporting its plan to fly to more small domestic cities.

[Yappofloyd]

Now NOK has leased more aircraft, 737-800s, and looking to get some more ATRs.

Nok Air lands leasing deal with GE to support expansion, BKK Post, 30/05/2011
Nok Air has sealed a deal to lease seven Boeing B737-800 jets from GE Capital Aviation Services Ltd to rejuvenate its fleet and support expansion of operations. The B737-800 is more fuel-efficient and capable than the B737-400, enabling Nok Air to improve flight economy and extend aircraft utilisation hours to 12 hours a day, from eight now.

The budget airline, 39% owned by Thai Airways International (THAI), will receive the first one from GE's commercial aircraft leasing and financing unit in November. Patee Sarasin, Nok's chief executive, said under the terms of the five-year lease, the jets, each with 189 seats, will replace four older B737-400s including those leased from THAI while rendering additional capacity.

The B737-800 is more fuel-efficient and capable than the B737-400, enabling the airline to improve flight economy and extend aircraft utilisation hours to 12 hours a day, from eight now. Nok Air has commissioned Lufthansa Technik, a provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul services for aircraft and a subsidiary of Germany's flag carrier Lufthansa Airlines, to look after the B737-800s.

In addition, Nok is close to concluding another deal to lease four ATR 72-500 turboprops from Denmark-based Nordic Aviation Capital, the world's largest lessor of turboprop aircraft. The four ATRs under a five-year lease will be delivered to Nok in August to support the budget carrier's expanding secondary route network, which is now being served by two ATRs leased from THAI. Nok Air intends to keep the two ATRs leased from the flag carrier.

This Friday, it will commence daily service to the restive southern province of Narathiwat in a bid to break the monopoly enjoyed by rival budget carrier Thai AirAsia. It will use Boeing 737-400 aircraft on the route to tap growing demand, particularly by government and security officials as well as business travellers and residents. Narathiwat will become Nok Air's 18th destination, all of them domestic, with more in the pipeline.

[Yappofloyd]

But now has too many aircraft whilst being stranded at Swampy for a while and when pax numbers are falling.

Nok left up in the air about new planes: Domestic travel has become a flood casualty, 4/11/2011 BKK Post
Nok Air executives are scratching their heads wondering how to use the airline's new Boeing 737 jets in the face of shrinking domestic air travel demand caused by Thailand's worst flooding in 69 years.

The budget airline last Saturday took delivery of the first of 12 leased Boeing 737-800 jets. The plane has since been parked at the Royal Thai Navy-managed U-Tapao Pattaya airport instead of being deployed quickly as planned. The second 737-800 is due next Friday and the third on Nov 24, joining Nok Air's current fleet of 10 older B737-400s and two ATR 72 turboprops. "We've yet to decide how to use these early B737-800s," chief executive Patee Sarasin told the Bangkok Post yesterday.

The carrier is facing a short-term capacity surplus due to the market downturn, while relocation of its base from the inundated Don Mueang airport to Suvarnabhumi airport has complicated the issue. Nok Air earlier planned to have the first B737-800 in service by now on the Bangkok-Chang Mai route.

Specific dates for the nine other B737-800 have yet to be set, but deliveries will be from 2012-13. The first batch of B737-800s will be used for expansion, while the later deliveries will replace the B737-400s, all of which are leased. The replacements will markedly increase capacity, as the smaller B737-400s are configured with only 150 seats and have a relatively low utilisation rate, while the B737-800s have 189 seats and are more fuel-efficient.

The airline will gradually return its 10 B737-400s, four of which are leased from Thai Airways International, a 49% stakeholder in Nok Air, from mid-2012 to 2015. Nok Air has been acquiring second-hand B737-800s as part of its fleet renewal to take advantage of lower maintenance costs, raise its average utilisation to more than 11 hours a day and increase seat capacity.

Nok Air is seeing contrasting passenger traffic flows, with flights leaving Bangkok at near capacity and incoming flights at only 40%. "We're seeing more people fleeing the flooding in Bangkok than are coming in," said Mr Patee.

Like the authorities, Nok Air is in the dark as to when it can return to its home base at Don Mueang, because when the floodwaters will subside, the extent of damage to the airport and how long it will take to revive airport operations all remain unclear. "But obviously, it's impossible to go back by Nov 10 like we originally anticipated," said Mr Patee. "My best guesstimate now is the end of December."

Nok Air's operations at Suvarnabhumi this past week have not been smooth. Its forced evacuation from Don Mueang has resulted in flight delays, changes in flight times and computer system problems. "We've had a hard time addressing these issues, but we're getting back to pre-crisis service levels," said Mr Patee.

[Yappofloyd]

Nok Air stays longer at Suvarnabhumi, The Nation breaking news, The Nation 10/11/2011

Nok Air will operate flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport through Jan 31, 2012, as Don Mueang Airport remains closed due to the flood crisis. The budget airline will also change flight schedules to fit passengers' needs and convenience, it said in a statement.

It maintains operations to 15 destinations - Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Phuket, Hat Yai, Sakon Nakhon, Nan, Phrae, Roi Et, Mae Sot and Loei. Reservations can be made via www.nokair.com, www.nokfanclub.com or at Counter Service at 7-Eleven nationwide.

Don Mueang Airport remains flooded.

[Yappofloyd]

Usual bad research here by the reporter and paper. Good earnings yes but why report a return to DMK in Feb or March when the AOT has stated that the airport will not reopen until 1 April??

Nok Air beats earnings goal with B220m, BKK Post, 16/01/2012
Nok Air posted a better-than-expected profit last year despite higher costs inflated by the devastating floods in the fourth quarter. The budget airline ended 2011 with net earnings of close to 220 million baht, higher than the 193 million it estimated when the deluge hit its home base at Don Mueang Airport on Oct 25, forcing it to flee to Suvarnabhumi Airport. The evacuation cost about 100 million baht, said chief executive Patee Sarasin. Earnings for the first three quarters cushioned the negative flood impact.

Mr Patee was cautiously optimistic about the airline's outlook for 2012, though he expects sluggish performance in the first half as travellers cut back before a recovery in the second half. "People will spend money on fixing their houses in the first half," he said. He predicted a revival of travel sentiment in the second half if there was not a repeat of the floods.

Mr Patee hoped Nok Air could report higher profits this year than 2011, but did not provide any figures. Its revenues are projected to reach 5.9 billion baht, up from around 4 billion last year, partly because of a 15% increase in aircraft capacity. The return to its home base at Don Mueang, expected by February or early March, will likely improve its operating costs, efficiency, punctuality and ticket sales.

Heavy congestion at Suvarnabhumi has caused the airline to spend more jet fuel waiting for take-off slots, causing flight delays and frustrating passengers. After moving to Suvarnabhumi, Nok's on-time average plunged to 28% before improving to 75-80% recently. Its pre-flood record at Don Mueang was 96%. Several passengers prefer to travel via Don Mueang, as it only takes 5-10 minutes from landing to reach ground transport.

This year, Nok Air targets 5 million passengers, 1 million more than last year's record of about 4 million, as a result of increased capacity with the additional seats offered by its new Boeing 737-800s. There will be 12 aircraft in Nok Air's fleet this year compared to 14 last year as two jets, the B737-400s, leave service this year.

The fleet consists of five B737-800s, five B737-400s and two ATR 72 turboprops.

[Yappofloyd]

Nok Air back at Don Mueang, 6/03/2012 at 11:41 AM
Nok Air on Tuesday morning became the first low-cost airline operator to resume flights from Don Mueang Airport.

The first flight, from Bangkok to Udon Thani, took off at about 6am. Other morning flights for the airline included flights from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani and to Nakhon Si Thammarat. All seats on the three flights were fully booked.

Other low-cost airlines, Solar Air and Orient Air, are scheduled to resume services at Don Mueang soon. Don Mueang airport had been forced to close for four months by last year's devastating floods.

[Yappofloyd]

Everyone busting to get into Burma...

Nok Mini sets sights on Myanmar network. Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan on radar, BKK Post, 9/10/2012
Nok Mini, the commuter airline affiliated with budget carrier Nok Air, is eyeing opportunities for launching its first international service, with Myanmar looming on a radar screen. The decade-old airline, owned by Siam General Aviation Co, is evaluating the viability of linking three major Myanmar cities _ Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan _ from its Chiang Mai hub.

It will make a final decision on Myanmar service early next year, said Sant Sangwornrachasup, the assistant vice-president for strategic and business development. Nok Mini plans to use a Saab 340B turboprop for the planned routes. They are capable of carrying 34 passengers, who on these routes are largely expected to be leisure travellers.

The study comes as Nok Mini takes delivery of its fifth Saab 340B later this month to support its expanding operations. The airline now concentrates on domestic flights from Don Mueang and Chiang Mai airports. Nok Mini is the latest Thailand-based carrier looking at boosting air links with Myanmar. The neighbouring country has emerged from 50 years of isolation and is embracing reforms that are spurring business and tourism travel.

Yangon, Myanmar's former capital and the largest city, in particular is attracting more foreign airlines. At least five foreign carriers plan to establish direct connections with Yangon, thus bypassing Bangkok, traditionally the main transit point for flights to that country. More than 13 foreign airlines serve Yangon where arrivals are expected to surge to about 3 million this year.

The use of Chiang Mai as its stepping stone into Myanmar would offer new travel routes which are relatively untapped. The only airline which links Chiang Mai with Myanmar is Air Bagan, which operates four flights a week between Chiang Mai and Yangon using an ATR-72 turboprop.

Nok Mini operates flights from Don Mueang to Nan (twice daily), Roi Et (twice daily), Mae Sot (twice daily), Phrae (four flights a week) and Buri Ram (thrice weekly). As well, a daily flight to Chumphon began on Oct 1, making it the only airline to provide scheduled service to the southern province. From Chiang Mai, it offers services to Mae Sot (once daily), Mae Hong Son (thrice daily) and Udon Thani (thrice daily). Mr Sant said the fifth Saab 340B turboprop will augment Nok Mini's capacity by about 15%. This will enable the airline to increase flight frequencies as well as offset capacity when other aircraft are in for scheduled maintenance.

[Yappofloyd]

More planes - Nok gets its 6th 737 - means more flights.

Nok Air to fly from Chiang Mai to Hat Yai, Bkk Post 30/11/2012
Nok Air is to link Chiang Mai and Hat Yai with a new daily jet service to exploit a travel market opportunity overlooked by other airlines. The budget carrier will become the first airline to provide a non-stop scheduled service between the northern and southern cities.

The service, which will start on Jan 1, will be the longest flight on Nok Air's network at two hours and five minutes, a Nok Air executive said yesterday. The airline has chosen this route instead of joining the fray on the Chiang Mai-Phuket sector, which is serviced by airlines such as Thai AirAsia and Bangkok Airways.

Nok Air expects a mix of business and leisure travellers to use the service. The Chiang Mai-Hat Yai flight takes off at 8.30am and arrives at 10.35am, while the return flight departs at 11.05am and touches down at 1.15pm.

The launch comes amid a notable increase of 11 daily flights on its existing eight domestic trunk routes. The new services are meant to take advantage of high-season demand and to absorb the airline's extra capacity as it expands its fleet. On Wednesday, Nok Air took delivery of its sixth Boeing 737-800 with 189 seats, adding to the three B737-400s and two ATR72 turboprops deployed on secondary routes.

From Dec 1, the airline will step up flights from Bangkok's Don Mueang airport to Chiang Rai to three flights a day from two, to Chiang Mai to nine from six, to Udon Thani to five from four, to Ubon Ratchathani to four from three, and to Hat Yai to seven from five. From Jan 1, its flights from Don Mueang to Phuket will increase to three a day from two, to Nakhon Si Thammarat to five from four, and to Surat Thani to four from three.

[Yappofloyd]

Nok Air leases new planes after series of breakdowns, Bkk Post, 4/12/2012
Nok Air is ushering in a new era in its eight-year history by deploying brand-new jetliners as it attempts to mitigate problems related to unexpected engine breakdowns involving used aircraft.

The budget airline agreed to lease two new Boeing 737-800s from GE Capital Aviation Service, the US-based aircraft lessor, for delivery next April. Nok usually leases used aircraft because it is cheaper. "The costs associated with unexpected engine breakdowns are becoming prohibitive. It may be more worthwhile for us to use brand-new aircraft that come with a warranty," said Nok Air president Patee Sarasin.

Engine breakdowns on two seven-year-old B737-800s prompted the airline to embrace the new leasing option. Leasing costs for new jets and those with 5-6 years in service are not so different, said Mr Patee, though he would not provide figures. However, an airline insider said leasing a new B737-800 would cost about US$350,000 a month, compared with $280,000 for a similar type of single-aisle jetliner with 5-6 years of service.

Nok Air will not retire its current B737-800s. The airline would rather honour those lease contracts, which run for 5-8 years, Mr Patee said. The airline last week took delivery of its sixth B737-800 leased from SMBC Aviation Capital, adding to its three "classic" B737-400s and two ATR72 turboprops deployed on secondary routes. Nok Air's seventh leased B737-800 is due later this month.

The B737-800 has been the mainstay of Nok Air's fleet over the past 4-5 years as it fits well with its business model in terms of size (189 seats) and flight operating range of about four hours. Deploying new aircraft will give Nok Air the chance to feature the jets in its image-lifting exercise in the same way as rival Thai AirAsia has done with its "red plate" campaign for its Airbus 320 jets _ all new and now numbering 27.

Meanwhile, Mr Patee offered a more specific timeframe for its relaunch of international flights, which will happen in the second quarter of next year, rather than early next year, due to aircraft availability issues. Three cities in neighbouring countries, including southern China, within a flying range of three hours from Nok Air's Don Mueang airport hub, are on the radar screen for launching next year, he said.

Nok Air will introduce its longest service so far _ Chiang Mai-Hat Yai _ on Jan 1 as well as offering a notable increase of 11 daily flights on its existing eight domestic trunk routes to cash in on high-season traffic. From Dec 1, the airline stepped up flights from Don Mueang to Chiang Rai to three flights a day from two, to Chiang Mai to nine from six, to Udon Thani to five from four, to Ubon Ratchathani to four from three, and to Hat Yai to seven from five. From Jan 1, its flights from Don Mueang to Phuket will increase to three a day from two, to Nakhon Si Thammarat to five from four, and to Surat Thani to four from three.

[Yappofloyd]

Nok Air plans share sale, BKK Post, 31 Jan 2013
Budget carrier Nok Airlines, controlled by Thai Airways International Plc (THAI), plans to sell shares in an initial public offering in August as it seeks funds to expand its fleet. Nok Air, based in Bangkok, plans to sell a 30% stake in the company and use the money to buy Boeing 737-8 or 737 Max planes, chief executive officer Patee Sarasin said on Thursday. The airline has been profitable for the past five years, he said in Singapore. He did not disclose the amount the carrier aims to raise.

The carrier also plans to resume international flights this year with services to China, Vietnam and Myanmar, Mr Patee said. Nok Air seeks to expand operations with the funds raised as surging budget travel demand prompted Singapore Airlines Ltd (SIA) and All Nippon Airways Co to start low-cost units last year. "It's a good opportunity for Nok Air to raise funds for expansion," said Raenoo Bhandasukdi, a Bangkok-based analyst at KT Zmico Securities Co. "The lLow-cost airline business has high growth prospects as attractive fares and booming tourism in Asia will continue to boost passenger numbers."

Nok Air aims to have 13 planes in its fleet by year-end. The carrier will decide on ordering 27 more aircraft in the next two to three years, Mr Patee said. The company is considering Boeing 737 jets as it operates three-to-five hour-long services. "The other reason is that we run one type of aircraft," Mr Patee said. "It saves in terms of costs."

Thai IPOs
The discount carrier is planning the share sale as the Stock Exchange (SET) of Thailand expects at least 30 companies with a combined market value of US$4 billion 9120 billion baht) to join its main and second-tier boards this year. Initial public offerings raised about $1.91 billion in Thailand last year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Newly listed shares on the Stock Exchange of Thailand and Market for Alternative Investment returned an average 64% from their initial public offering prices last year, according to data on 23 stocks tracked by Bloomberg.

Nok Air, which is filling more than 90% of seats, posted a profit of US$16 million last year, Mr Patee said. The airline hedges 30% of its annual requirements for fuel, which accounts for 40% of total costs. Thai Air holds 49% stake of Nok Air, which was set up in 2004, according to the budget carrier's website.

The airline, which ended overseas flights in 2007, is aiming to revive the services this year as International Air Transport Association forecasts that Asia-Pacific will account for 33% of global passengers in 2016. The number of aircraft in the region’s fleet will almost triple to 13,670 in 2031 from 4,710 in 2011, according to Boeing.

New discount carriers and demand for short-haul flights have spurred a "substantial increase" in single-aisle planes, Boeing said. Single-aisle capacity, which doubled in the past eight years, may double again in the coming decade, according to the Chicago-based planemaker.

[Yappofloyd]

Netizens roused by sexy calendar, BKK Post, 11 Feb 2013
Low cost airline Nok Air has been roundly criticised over a web PR promotion offering calenders with pictures of women in bikinis posing next to one of its passenger planes.

Nok Air, which is based in Thailand, announced on its Facebook page that people who participated in its online campaign would receive the airline's 2013 calendar. Models from Maxim magazine were hired for the calendar photo shoot.


From Nok Air's 2013 calendar

A complaint was filed with the Ministry of Culture by Natee Theerarojanapong, leader of Chiang Mai Araya, who said the calendar should be banned because it tarnishes Thailand's image. "The campaign focuses on the country's bad reputation regarding sex services, and an image that other organisations have been trying to change," Mr Natee said.

The message being sent out by the airline could also be misinterpreted as encouraging passengers to sexually harass air hostesses, he added. Nok Air CEO Patee Sarasin insisted the calendars do not damage the image of either his company or Thailand because the models were not Nok Air staff. "It was supposed to be a gift to our customers, and so far the campaign has received positive feedback, increasing the number of passengers. There were so many viewers that the webpage crashed," he said.


From Nok Air's 2013 calendar

Culture Ministry permanent secretary Prisana Pongtatpitakkul said the photos in the calendar were inappropriate. Being an airline, the pictures were not only viewed by local people but also by foreigners, she said. However, she admitted the ministry could not take any action against Nok Air because it had not broken any law by producing and distributing the calendar. The incident just reflects that modern society is full of businesses that lack integrity and social responsibility, she added.

Nok Air's campaign received varying comments from Thai netizens. One of them wrote, "Many drama-erotic films that are being sold in stores, some with the uncut version, show much more than this calendar. Why don't they ban them?” Another poster commented, "It does not look appropriate at all. Some Thais might think it looks trendy but it's actually just a sloppy idea. There are other ways to promote the airline. I am one of Nok Air's frequent flyers and I don’t feel good about the idea."

[Yappofloyd]

Nok starts to take delivery of a new fleet. It appears that someone at Nok wrote this article given the over the top superlatives!

Bird flies the nest, Bkk Post, 19 Feb 2013
Nok Air's state-of-the-art B737-800 makes its maiden flight on Tuesday as the airline pledges a new era in style and comfort for passengers
The B737-800, with a registration of HS-DBK, is visibly different from the rest of Nok Air's fledgling Boeing fleet, both outside and inside. The single-aisle jet, named Nok Sabai, has what seems to be a one-of-a-kind bird-like motif on its blue and white fuselage, while the aircraft's nose is painted with a yellow beak _ a common feature of all other Nok Air aircraft.

But the real difference lies inside _ the smell of new car, a greater sense of cabin space and a feel of modernity that a normal passenger can appreciate. A major makeover in the cabin has brought new stowage bins, sidewalls, lighting, ceiling panels, air vents, passenger service units, flight attendant panels, black Recaro seats and toilets.

There is more room for carry-on bags in the larger stow bins, which take up less space as they sweep up towards the ceiling _ a feature presented in the innovative Boeing 787 Dreamliner. On the ceiling, bright light-emitting diodes can portray different colour schemes such as a soft blue sky and a relaxing pallet of sunset colours.

Welcome on board Nok Air's first brand-new B737-800, the latest update of the next-generation 737 outfitted with the Boeing Sky Interior, which is ushering in a new era for the nine-year-old Thai airline that had previously deployed only used aircraft.

Nok Air chief executive Patee Sarasin, who last Thursday took delivery of the jet at GMF AeroAsia's Jakarta hangar, where it was painted in Nok Air livery, said Nok Sabai's newness will create a special appeal to passengers. "The aircraft will set the new standard for style and comfort in the single-aisle jetliner market in this region," said the 50-year-old executive. "It's going to be popular among passengers, I believe." Its arrival marks the start of the airline's fleet modernisation that will see more new B737-800 jets joining its fleet, which will have its average age reduced to four to five years from 15-17 years in the past, said Mr Patee.

Nok Sabai, the airline's ninth jet, makes its maiden commercial flight this morning from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. A second new B737-800 from Boeing's Seattle plant is due to join Nok Air next year. Nok Air is rejuvenating its fleet to take advantage of newer aircraft's better fuel economy, lower maintenance and less ground time.

But Mr Patee said the airline will not have a fleet comprising all new jets but a mix of new and relatively young aircraft. Nok Air also took delivery of its 10th jet, also a B737-800 but a used one, from Jakarta, where it was painted with the orange-white clown fish motif. One or two more B737-800s will join Nok Air's fleet this year, while a couple more are planned for next year, according to Mr Patee.

Beyond 2014, it's hard to say what the airline's fleet size will be as Nok Air wants to ensure traffic volume will support the maximum use of each aircraft. "Airlines sometimes talk about enlarging their fleets before they have a good idea where they will fly these additional planes to, but for us it's better to plan the routes before actually acquiring the aircraft," Mr Patee said.

Nok Sabai, leased for 12 years from MC Aviation Partners, which is part of Mitsubishi Corporation, will be put on the airline's domestic routes. While new aircraft are more expensive to lease than used ones, Mr Patee said higher costs would be offset by benefits arising from lower maintenance, fuel economy and breakdown costs. "For a brand-new jet like this, we plan daily utilisation of 11.5 hours, while the older ones get something like seven hours, so all in all it is more economical to use a new plane," Mr Patee said.

He avoided comparing the new jet's enhanced passenger experience with those of rivals such as Thai AirAsia and its sibling THAI Smiles, which deploy new Airbus 320-200s. "Our success comes by looking at ourselves first before looking at anybody else," Mr Patee said.

[Yappofloyd]

Nok Air unveils Myanmar routes, BKK Post, 1 Apr 2013
Nok Air plans to operate two new routes from Tak's Mae Sot district to Myanmar in preparation for the establishment of the Mae Sot special economic zone and the Asean Economic Community (AEC). Nok Air board director Somchainuek Engtrakul and chief executive Patee Sarasin on Sunday led 20 airline executives to board a Nok Air survey flight from Mae Sot to Myanmar's Mawlamyine (formerly Moulmein) ahead of the airline's plan to operate services on that route.

The budget airline also plans to introduce flights between Mae Sot and Yangon. The move follows a recent agreement between Thailand and Myanmar to permanently open the Mae Sot border checkpoint to boost cross-border trade and tourism. It also aims to capitalise on the 2015 launch of the AEC.