Nok Air (DD, Bangkok Don Mueang) and Singaporean LCC, Scoot (TR, Singapore Changi), have signed an agreement establishing NokScoot (Bangkok Don Mueang), a Bangkok Don Mueang-based LCC that will operate in the long-haul low-fare sector. According to the Bangkok Post, Nok Air will own 51% of the LCC - as required by Thai law - while Scoot will hold the remaining 49%. With a market capitalization of THB3billion (USD93.61million), NokScoot plans to launch in the second half of 2014 using "two or three" B777-200(ER)s sourced from Scoot. The aircraft will be repainted into Nok Air's livery but operate under the NokScoot brand name. Initial services will include East Asia, Japan, South Korea and northern China. Nok Air envisions NokScoot complementing its current network, which covers only Thailand and Myanmar. Scoot currently operates eight weekly B777-200(ER) services between Singapore Changi and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi. Asked by ch-aviation, Scoot's CEO Campbell Wilson said "The decision to move (these flights) from Suvarnabhumi to Don Mueang or not will be made independently from the establishment of NokScoot." The going will not be easy however, as NokScoot will likely go head-to-head with Thai AirAsia X (XJ, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi), the new AirAsia (AK, Kuala Lumpur International) startup, which is also looking to launch low-cost longhaul flights during the first quarter of 2014 using two A330-300s.