NoK Air began operating Bangkok-Yangon flights this year, and will conduct flights between Bangkok and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in 2014.

NoK Air Financial Manager Vitai Ratanakorn confirmed consumer demand makes flights to Vietnam a priority for next year.

The two Thai budget airlines Thai AirAsia and VietJet Air are currently running flights between Thai and Vietnamese cities. Larger national airlines, such as Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways International, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines, also service the route.

Nok Air is also considering launching Boeing 737-800 flights to Laos, Cambodia, and select Chinese provinces.

Airbus recently reported Vietjet – another Vietnamese budget airline - has signed a US$6.1 billion purchasing contract for 62 Airbus A320s. The airline currently rents nine Airbus A320s.

Vietjet started its Vietnamese operations in late 2011. It is the country’s first private airline and services both domestic and international routes.

VOV