Nok, Scoot to create another budget airline

Nok, Scoot to create another budget airline
By admin


Another budget airline is set for launch in Asia with Thailand’s Nok Airlines and Singapore-based Scoot joining forces to create a low cost carrier in Bangkok.

To be called NokScoot, it will operate widebody aircraft on medium and long haul international routes.

Nok, Thailand’s second largest low cost carrier, will own up to 51% and Scoot 49%. The initial investment will be SGD80 million ($71.2m).

“We are excited about expanding Nok’s presence overseas and to be doing so with the assistance of Scoot,” Nok Air chief executive Patee Sarasin said. “It has always been Nok’s goal to offer more Thais more choice and more value, of which this venture is yet another example."

Scoot chief executive Campbell Wilson said the tourism opportunities made Thailand a logical hub.

The creation of NokScoot is subject to regulatory approval. Details of its fleet, routes and product will be released “at a later date”.

Meanwhile, Tigerair is collaborating with China Airlines to establish a budget airline in Northeast Asia called Tigerair Taiwan.

Tigerair will hold a 10% stake in the start-up operation.

"The new JV will allow us to extend our presence into the new untapped markets of Taiwan, Japan and Korea," Tigerair Group chief executive Koay Peng Yen said. "There is vast potential for growth in these markets and also areas of synergy to be explored between the two airlines."

 

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