NokScoot was a Thai–Singaporean low‑cost airline that operated as a joint venture between Thailand's Nok Air and Singapore Airlines' subsidiary Scoot. The airline was headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, and commenced operations on 27 July 2014. It offered scheduled passenger services to destinations in Southeast Asia and East Asia from its primary hub at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
History
- Formation: The joint venture was announced in May 2014, aiming to combine Nok Air's domestic network and market knowledge with Scoot's international reach and operational expertise. The partnership intended to capture growth in the regional low‑cost market.
- Launch: NokScoot began flight operations on 27 July 2014 with services between Bangkok (BKK) and Singapore (SIN). Initial routes were expanded to include destinations such as Hong Kong, Da Nang, and Kuala Lumpur.
- Ownership Structure: Nok Air held a 51 % stake, while Scoot owned 49 %. Both parent companies contributed aircraft, crews, and operational support.
Operations
- Hub: Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok) served as the airline’s primary hub, with secondary operations from Singapore Changi Airport.
- Network: By 2019, NokScoot served approximately 12 destinations across Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and other regional cities.
- Business Model: The airline operated a low‑cost carrier (LCC) model, offering a “basic fare” with ancillary charges for baggage, seat selection, and in‑flight meals.
Fleet
- Aircraft Types: The fleet primarily comprised Airbus A320‑200 aircraft, transferred from Scoot and operated under a wet‑lease arrangement. The fleet size fluctuated between 6 and 10 aircraft over the airline’s lifespan.
- Livery: Aircraft bore a combined branding that incorporated the blue-and‑white colors of Scoot with the orange elements of Nok Air.
Cessation of Operations
- Impact of COVID‑19: The global aviation downturn caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic led to a sharp decline in demand. In June 2020, NokScoot announced a suspension of all flights.
- Liquidation: On 30 September 2020, the airline filed for liquidation and ceased all operations. Remaining assets and aircraft were returned to the parent companies or transferred to other carriers.
- Aftermath: Following NokScoot’s dissolution, Nok Air re‑focused on its domestic and regional low‑cost services, while Scoot continued its operations under the Singapore Airlines Group.
References
- Official press releases from Nok Air and Scoot (2014–2020).
- Civil aviation authority records of Thailand and Singapore.
- Aviation industry publications reporting on the launch, operational performance, and cessation of NokScoot.
This entry reflects information compiled from publicly available, verifiable sources up to September 2021.