Nok Air in talks with Deccan, Kingfisher

Bangkok-based low-cost carrier Nok Air is in talks with Kingfisher Airlines and Air Deccan for a strategic operational alliance to enter India.

"We have initiated a dialogue with Kingfisher Airlines and Air Deccan for an operational alliance to fly to Indian destinations soon," Nok Air chief executive officer Pastee Sarasin told Business Standard.

Private low-cost airline Jazeera Airlines is also planning to start operations to India. "Jazeera Airlines will start its operations in Kuwait on October 30. We are considering to start operations to Indian destinations inlcuding Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi," Jazeera Airways chairman and chief executive officer Marwan Boodai said.

Sarasin of Nok Air said this proposed alliance would mean better reach for Nok Air through operational alliances with Indian low-cost carriers ensuring more connectivity to other Indian towns. "This will certainly not be a joint venture arrangement. We are looking at an operational arrangement for better connectivity.

Though we have initiated talks with Kingfisher Airlines and Air Deccan, nothing has been finalised as yet," he said.

Sarasin said that Nok Air and its Indian alliance partner would also exchange technical expertise and impart training to the work force.

Currently, Nok Air has a 13.4 market share in the Thailand air travel space and operates short routes including Bangkok and Phuket.

Nok Air Vice President (Sales and Distribution) Nattapote Kuslasayanon said the airline was keen on starting services to New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. "We will make use of the local market expertise of Indian carriers through the proposed alliance," he said.

"We will also explore the possibilities to start a service to Goa. With the alliance in the offing, both the airlines can establish creative distribution models for extensive reach out in Indian market," Kuslasayanon said.

Meanwhile, Air Deccan is also sourcing two aircraft on lease from GE Commercial Services to increase its market share. GECAS is the commercial aircraft financing and leasing wing of GE with a fleet of more than 1300 owned aircraft and offers full range of aircraft financing solutions.