Turbulence continued for Nok Air on Friday as the airline put off for another 10 days its planned resumption of normal operations following this month’s pilot strike and massive flight cancellations.
Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said today that Nok Air now says its normal flight schedule will resume March 10, instead of March 1 as announced earlier.
Nok will charter 20 flights to be operated by Thai Airways International, Thai Smile, Thai Lion Air and Nok Scoot during the period, he added.
The change came only three days after Nok Air chief executive Patee Sarasin announced the resumption normal schedules and addition of new pilots to its 192-strong cockpit crew roster.
On Tuesday, Mr Patee also denied reports that pilots had quit the airline but a source said up to 17 had planned to leave by next Tuesday.
The minister said he had received a report from Mr Patee admitting the resignations of the pilots and 15 new ones would be recruited. Mr Arkhom did not specify the number of pilots to leave Nok Air.
On his Twitter account, Mr Patee promised a stronger airline after it resumes normal oeprations and denied that the no-frills airline was in financial trouble.
This is what you called a "Growing pain" will be back better for our team, our company, and share holders. And of course for our customers.
— Patee Sarasin (@Patee122) February 25, 2016
The trouble of Nok Air began on Feb 14 when it had to cancel nine flights out of Don Mueang airport after its pilots walked off their jobs. Dozens of flights have been cancelled since.