Nok Air (DD, Bangkok Don Mueang) shareholders have agreed to inject an additional THB490 million baht (USD14.8 million) into NokScoot (Bangkok Don Mueang), the Thai LCC's joint venture with Singapore Airlines (SQ, Singapore Changi), The Bangkok Post has reported.

Following the additional capital injection, NokAir will retain its 49% stake in the long-haul low-cost carrier.

The injection comes as a part of a plan to raise NokScoot's paid-up capital from the current THB1 billion bahts (USD30 million) to THB3 billion bahts (USD91 million). The carrier will use the additional funds to expand its fleet and launch new routes out of its base at Bangkok Don Mueang to East Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

NokScoot currently operates five B777-200s dry-leased from Singapore Airlines and is in the process of adding its first two B737-800. It is also eyeing more narrowbody Boeing equipment in 2019, possibly including B737-8s, which would be deployed on thinner medium-haul routes and free up the widebody capacity.

Nok Air and NokScoot have also agreed to increase commercial cooperation, starting with interlining on services from each of Chiang Mai and Hat Yai via Don Mueang to each of Taipei Taoyuan and Tokyo Narita.