Asiana Airlines Sees Strong Travel Bubble Effect on Incheon~Saipan Route with "Average Load Factor 94%"

Cumulative 6,400 Passengers Since Travel Bubble Implementation
Quarantine Exemption and Travel Subsidies Boost Performance After Return

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] The number of travelers using Asiana Airlines for Saipan travel bubble trips reached a cumulative total of 6,400 from July last year to January this year.

According to Asiana Airlines on the 21st, since the travel bubble agreement between South Korea and Saipan was signed, the average load factor during the recent Lunar New Year holiday rose to 98%, marking the highest figure. Reservations for February and March also reached 80%, continuing the strong performance.

In the early stages of the travel bubble implementation, the load factor was not high. However, as Saipan gradually gained recognition as a safe travel destination, demand for honeymoon and group tours steadily increased, resulting in an average load factor of 66% this year. Considering the quarantine guidelines that limit aircraft seat occupancy to below 70%, this effectively corresponds to about 94%, nearly a full capacity.

This success appears to be due to ▲entry and exit without self-quarantine ▲maintenance of a safe quarantine system ▲and active travel subsidy support policies.

As of the 11th, Saipan achieved a 100% rate of second-dose COVID-19 vaccinations. The rate of those who completed the third dose reached 54.8%. Additionally, package products prioritizing safety were organized to minimize COVID-19 transmission during travel.

The quarantine exemption criteria were also relaxed: ▲if a negative rapid antigen test result within one day of arrival in Saipan and a vaccination certificate are submitted, passengers on the Incheon~Saipan route are exempt from PCR testing and can travel immediately without self-quarantine upon arrival. Unvaccinated individuals under 18 years old can enter without quarantine if accompanied by a vaccinated guardian, and infants under 24 months are exempt from all PCR tests.

The Mariana Tourism Authority provides continuous benefits to travelers visiting Saipan through package reservations. They fully cover the cost of up to two PCR tests conducted locally in Saipan. Also, all passengers departing this month receive a $100 travel subsidy card. In case of a COVID-19 diagnosis during travel, all treatment and quarantine costs during the isolation period are fully supported.

Asiana Airlines operates the Incheon~Saipan route twice a week. The flight departs Incheon International Airport at 9:00 AM and arrives in Saipan at 2:30 PM local time. The return flight departs Saipan at 4:00 PM local time and arrives at Incheon International Airport at 7:40 PM.

An Asiana Airlines official stated, "Although the spread of COVID-19 continues, there are also movements by each country to ease entry restrictions," adding, "We plan to respond step-by-step to normalize operations."

Meanwhile, Asiana Airlines has continuously engaged with Saipan authorities and domestic related organizations to respond to entry restrictions after COVID-19. Efforts were made to sign the travel bubble agreement and resume flights, including hosting the Governor of Saipan for a visit.