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Nok Air¡¯s CEO Patee Sarasin says the budget carrier is considering Udon Thani and Chiang Mai as hubs from which to launch international flights to other destination in the region, in particular, China.

Speaking at a blessing ceremony at Udon Thani airport last week to celebrate Nok Air¡¯s Bangkok-Udon Thani flight, Patee said the low-cost carrier was looking at launching international flights sooner than expected.

¡°We¡¯re launching international flights around April or May and considering Udon Thani and Chiang Mai as hubs from where we can penetrate other destinations in China and Indochina; in particular, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shianghai and perhaps Hanoi,¡± said Patee.

As part of its route expansion Nok Air plans to acquire six additional Boeing 737-400s ¨C one additional aircraft from Thai Airways International (THAI) by October and another five from an ¡°outside source¡±, Patee said.

¡°THAI can only provide us with one additional carrier so we will have to look elsewhere for the other five. Right now I cannot say where we will acquire them, however, we haven¡¯t ruled out the possibility of leasing them from Boeing,¡± he said.

While air hostesses on Nok Air¡¯s three domestic routes sport the striking yellow and white uniforms of the budget carrier, the THAI-leased 737s still carry the lilac interior colours and d¨¦cor of the mother company.

¡°Once we have acquired the five additional carriers we plan to redecorate both the exteriors and interiors in Nok Air colours. We haven¡¯t decided on a uniform d¨¦cor for the interior yet, but it will reflect the Nok Air image,¡± said Patee.

On the domestic front, the budget carrier also plans to launch two daily services to both Phuket and Phitsanulok by mid-October.

¡°We¡¯re not planning much expansion before the end of this year as we want to consolidate those routes that we already have and grow the market. In terms of the way we segment our market we take a softer approach ¨C not a direct hit,¡± said Patee, referring to the low-cost competition. ¡°We are not aiming to be the cheapest LCC in the market; our emphasis is on service, safety and punctuality.¡±

Nok Air launched its Bangkok-Udon Thani flight on July 23.

The blessing ceremony was presided over by the Governor of Undon Thani, Chaiyaporn Rattananakha.