[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Air Premia, a newly established low-cost carrier (LCC) based at Incheon International Airport, is considering launching the Gimpo-Jeju route, sparking mixed reactions within the aviation industry.
While the industry opposes Air Premia's Gimpo-Jeju route launch, viewing it as an unfair privilege that violates equity, some argue that it is an inevitable choice amid the COVID-19 situation to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the aviation industry.
According to the aviation industry on the 28th, Air Premia is currently in discussions with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) to launch the Gimpo-Jeju route. If MOLIT grants approval, Air Premia is expected to commence its first flight as early as July.
The reason the LCC industry opposes Air Premia's domestic route launch is that MOLIT imposed an obligation in 2019 for newly established LCCs to maintain their hub airport for at least three years when issuing international air transport business licenses. Accordingly, Fly Gangwon designated Yangyang Airport, Aero K designated Cheongju Airport, and Air Premia designated Incheon Airport, which mainly serves international flights, as their hub airports.
The issue arose when Air Premia, facing difficulties in launching international flights due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, began considering rerouting its first flight to the Gimpo-Jeju route.
The industry believes that Air Premia's Boeing B787-9, a mid-to-long-haul aircraft with the world's widest economy seat pitch of 35 inches and a maximum capacity of 309 passengers, could accelerate cutthroat competition on domestic routes. This is especially seen as unfair compared to newly established LCCs that started operations from regional hub airports.
On the other hand, some argue that amid the prolonged COVID-19 situation, partial allowance of domestic route launches for new airlines could serve as a minimum exit strategy.
An LCC official said, "Air Premia must commence its first flight within this year, and it appears that there are practically no alternatives other than the Gimpo-Jeju route," adding, "Allowing temporary hub airport changes until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic for airlines taking on new challenges may be necessary to strengthen the industry's competitiveness in the long term."
Earlier, Air Premia introduced its first aircraft in early April, completed aircraft performance certification and emergency evacuation training from MOLIT, and is currently conducting test flights while finalizing the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process. The plan is to introduce a second 787-9 aircraft in the first half of this year, operate domestic flights, and then expand routes to the Americas and other regions.
A MOLIT official stated, "We are aware of the industry's dissatisfaction regarding Air Premia's request to operate the Gimpo-Jeju route," but added, "Considering the COVID-19 situation, we are exploring various options to enable Air Premia's first flight."
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