[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Je-hoon] Low-cost carrier (LCC) Jin Air will convert one of its B777-200ER aircraft by mid-next month to expand its cargo operations. This will mark the first time an LCC operates a dedicated cargo aircraft.
According to Jin Air on the 9th, the aircraft to be converted will be deployed for passenger transport until the Chuseok holiday next month, after which the cabin seats will be removed and safety equipment installed to convert it into a dedicated cargo plane.
The actual deployment timing will be finalized according to the progress of the conversion work and pending approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
Jin Air currently holds the only mid-to-large aircraft among domestic LCCs, the B777-200ER. Until now, it has operated belly cargo services using the lower cargo hold of passenger planes. Compared to the B737-800, the main aircraft of LCCs, the B777-200ER allows temperature and humidity control within the cargo hold and can transport approximately 15 tons of cargo.
Due to the prolonged downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jin Air decided to convert one of these aircraft into a dedicated cargo plane to strengthen its cargo business and improve profitability. After conversion, the B777-200ER will be able to carry about 10 tons more cargo, enabling a maximum cargo capacity of 25 tons.
Jin Air stated, "In the current situation where passenger demand is limited, we will actively discover revenue sources by operating dedicated cargo aircraft at the right time and place, and respond flexibly according to future market conditions. We will overcome this crisis through new attempts and strengthening competitiveness based on differentiated advantages."
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