Pilot-short Nok Air axes 60 daily flights

Pilot-short Nok Air axes 60 daily flights

Embattled Nok Air will cut 60 flights a day until the end of the month because of a lack of pilots, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) says. 

The airline told the CAAT about the cancellations last week, CAAT director Chula Sukmanop said mONday. 

The airline said the measure was necessary because it has been unable to recruit more pilots, he said.

The cancellations should not affect passengers since some of the flights had no bookings while many passengers who have already booked can fly on other scheduled Nok Air flights, Mr Chula said, citing the carrier.

Nok Air is also arranging flights with other airlines for its passengers. 

"Nok Air must be responsible for securing other flights or redeeming tickets for their passengers," Mr Chula said. 

Meanwhile, all airlines, as well as Nok Air, will have to provide the CAAT with details about their April-June flight schedules this month. 

Mr Chula said the CAAT needs to make sure the number of flights offered by each airline meets regulations with regard to pilots' working conditions. 

Speaking about Monday's CAAT board meeting, chaired by transport permanent secretary Chartchai Thipsunawee, Mr Chula said the board discussed job vacancies within the agency. 

Available positions include that of CAAT director, which must be filled by June 1, Mr Chula said, adding he would apply for the post. 

The meeting also touched on the agency's budget, which is expected to exceed 800 million baht a year, he said. 

Much of the funding is expected to come from a new 15-baht security surcharge on international passengers arriving, departing or transferring through the country's airports. 

The proposed rate will be presented to the civil aviation board for approval this month.

This and other charges, expected to be collected from Oct 1,  would generate 1.1 billion baht in revenue each year, Mr Chula said. New charges will also be introduced for pilot and air operating licences. 

In the meantime, CAAT funding this year will include 225.15 million baht from the government.

Charges for air operator certificates will also increase to tally with the high salaries of inspectors, Mr Chula said.

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