Thailand’s low-cost airline, NokScoot, plans to take three aircraft out of service and reduce its staffing level at the end of this month, in a major reorganization caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Majority-owned by Nok Air, which is affiliated with Thai Airways International, the company issued a statement today saying that the major restructuring is necessary, because the airline has been hit hard by COVID-19 and international air services are likely to be restricted for the next 2-3 years, making it impossible for NokScoot to recover and resume normal operations.
The company maintains that the airline is not ceasing operations, but is awaiting a clear signal from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand about when it will allow in-bound international flights again.
Due to the contraction of aviation industry, the company said that it has decided to downsize its fleet, which means that the number of air crew will also have to be reduced.
The airline said that it has been a very difficult decision for the management to lay off staff, but assured that they would be compensated properly and in accordance with the law.
NokScoot operates international services out of its base at Don Mueang international airport.
