Sky routes blocked by COVID-19... Air Busan launches 'Flight Experience with No Destination' product

"Considering Departure Experience Programs for the General Public"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Je-hoon] Amid the fact that international air routes have been virtually 'closed' due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, the domestic aviation industry is considering unique marketing strategies such as 'international flight experience programs.'

Air Busan announced on the 26th that starting from September 10, it plans to conduct a flight program for on-site training experience in collaboration with universities that have aviation service-related departments.

The flight, scheduled for its first operation on the 10th of next month, will depart from Gimhae International Airport, fly over the southern coast, reach near Jeju, and then return to Gimhae Airport, taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The flight will use Air Busan's latest aircraft model, the A321LR (Long Range).

In the mid-term, Air Busan is also considering launching sightseeing flight products for the general public that involve flying over international airspace. This method involves boarding general passengers and conducting circular flights over domestic or foreign airspace.

Such cases have also attracted attention overseas. According to foreign media such as the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Taiwan's aviation industry recently launched products that depart from international airports, fly near Taiwan, and then return. For example, China Airlines in Taiwan operates a flight attendant experience program for children, and EVA Air offers a product that reaches near the Ryukyu Islands in Japan.

An Air Busan official stated, "Under current laws, sightseeing flights that take off from a point for tourism purposes and operate according to a set route without intermediate landings generally do not pose significant issues. However, operating in another country's airspace requires consultation with authorities and foreign aviation authorities. For now, we plan to operate this program targeting students in aviation-related departments who have a demand for flying."