Transport of pets by air is a business that cannot be ignored, leading Nok Air to announce restoration of the service.
Nok Air has set Oct 1 to resume pet transport, which was suspended in August after the high-profile death of a Siberian Husky puppy during a flight from Bangkok to Trang on July 12.
But the resumed delivery will be strictly on a cargo basis. The SET-listed budget carrier continues to ban passengers travelling with their pets on board.
An airline spokeswoman said the return of pet transport is in response to numerous requests from customers. But an airline insider noted that pet transport is a major contributor to Nok Air's cargo business, which is handled by an outsourced unit called Nok Air Cargo. Some 4,000 pets were being delivered each month.
There is a growing business of pet breeding in Thailand, and the business involves delivering animals from farms to buyers by air, according to the insider.
But this time round, Nok Air has undertaken steps to ensure that operational procedures are "fully rigorous and concise".
The service procedures will continue to be as per international standards by increasing screening measures to check the pet before transport, to ensure that the physical condition of the pet is ready for the journey to the degree possible.
Nok Air will make sure that pet owners fully understand the risks involved before transport.
It noted that animals aged less than four months and over seven years may have low immunity and health factors should be taken into consideration. Nok Air Cargo staff will do their utmost in taking care of all pets being transported, and will strictly follow regulations to ensure all pets' health and safety.
By resuming the pet transport service, Nok Air will again be the only budget carrier in Thailand to engage in the business.