The Chosun Ilbo (English Edition): Daily News from Korea

May 15, 2023 10:55

Budget airline Jeju Air is challenging Asiana Airlines for the No. 2 spot in the country's aviation market ahead of the flag carrier's takeover by Korean Air.

Jeju Air, the fastest-growing low-cost carrier, is bouncing back dramatically from the years of lockdown.

According to information provider Airportal, Jeju Air hauled 833,721 passengers on international routes in the first quarter this year, only about 25,000 fewer than Asiana's 858,512.

Jeju Air already carried more international passengers with 273,727 than Asiana's 266,041 in February.

On domestic and international flights combined, Jeju Air's 2.12 million passenger also overtook Asiana's 2.08 million in the first three months.

Jeju Air's international passenger numbers jumped from a mere 47,000 last September to 284,000 in January as low-cost airlines drastically increased flights as Japan reopened.

With no jumbo jets of its own, Jeju Air responded by operating more flights in smaller planes. In the first quarter, it carried only 25,000 fewer international travelers than Asiana but operated 400 more flights and posted record profits.

Asiana remains in trouble. After the end of lockdown, air passengers began returning first to short- and medium-haul routes such as Guam, Japan and Southeast Asia, where low-cost airlines have competitive edge, while the recovery of Asiana's long-haul routes was relatively slow.

Routes to China, where the flag carrier operates more flights than its rivals, have not yet returned to normal.

It also has its hands tied in terms of buying new airplanes or making new investments until the takeover is complete.

Budget Airlines Post Record Profits

Budget Airlines' Int'l Passengers Outnumber Flag Carriers'

Budget Airlines Start to Recover

Budget Airlines Expand to Longer-Haul Flights

Korean Airlines Lose Money Due to Plummeting Won

COVID Surge Hampers Budget Airlines' Recovery

Budget Airlines Scramble to Top up Capital

Budget Carriers to Resume Asia Flights

Budget Airlines on Edge of Collapse

Mass Layoffs Start at Low-Cost Airlines