FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Nation seen as 'priority' for Nok Air's expansion

Nation seen as 'priority' for Nok Air's expansion

Myanmar has been chosen as the first country for Nok Air's international expansion thanks to its great potential, said Patee Sarasin, the airline's chief executive officer.

"We are going to be looking at both Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw in terms of the demand and how we actually promote it. Mandalay will definitely become our next target, where it’s going to be popular among Thais. And I am sure (that) foreigners like going to Mandalay," Patee said in an exclusive interview with Myanmar Eleven.

Patee, however, admitted that the airline is only at the starting point in the newly-opened country, although they have plans to move forward.

Besides Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw, Nok Air is looking at possible routes to fly to other towns from Bangkok in the near future, he said.

"We do have to consider different types of aircraft (for different routes)," said Patee, adding that the type of aircraft will depend on whether the destination is a big city or small town.

"At the moment, we have two flights a day from Bangkok to Yangon - one in the morning and one in the evening. We just started a few months ago. So it is at the primary stage," he added.

Nok Air used to fly from Maesot to Yangon and from Maesot to Mawlamyaing. But it had to stop the flight because the Mawlamyaing runaway had some problems and it is under renovation.

"We currently have plans for Maesot to Yangon, and it may be suspended a little bit. We’re gonna put new plane in the routes from Maesot to Yangon, and from Yangon to Bangkok," said Patee.

Nok Air’s chief said that currently, most of the passengers are Thais. But more foreigners and Myanmar people start using the Nok Air’s services, although the recent political instability in Thailand had an impact on the tourism sector.

Patee said that the airline will attract the passengers with affordable prices.

"Currently it is still on the make. I haven’t got anything concrete yet. Myanmar is one of the key markets and we want to grow together," he said.

The airline head mentioned that Myanmar is really doing well in terms of growth, and is one of the fastest-growing countries in Southeast Asia as well as in Asia as a whole.

When talking about the obstacles and challenges that Nok Air face in doing business in the country, Patee sees a lot of competition in the emerging market as an obstacle itself.

"Myanmar is very popular place at the moment for everyone to come and invest. The airlines should also persuade Myanmar people to grow faith to come to Thailand.

"In the future, I am hoping for a surge in not only Thai tourists coming here but also Myanmar tourists going to Thailand, vice versa," he added.

Patee also suggests that Myanmar should improve infrastructure and the system at the airports across the country.

"I think it’s going to take time. But I don’t think it will be that long because you guys already pushed it to make it happen," said Patee.

Currently, Myanmar allows international routines in terms of the scheduled flights, only to three cities - Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, and Yangon.

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