Jeju Air "1.87 Million Passengers in 10 Years of Incheon~Guam Flights"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] Jeju Air announced on the 27th that it marked the 10th anniversary of its Incheon~Guam route on the 27th.

Jeju Air started operating the Incheon~Guam route seven times a week on September 27, 2012, and has steadily expanded its Guam routes by launching the Busan~Guam route in January 2015, the Cheongju~Osaka~Guam route in July 2018, and the Muan~Guam route in December 2019.

The number of passengers on the Incheon~Guam route grew from about 34,700 in its first year of operation in 2012 to 200,000 in 2014, just two years later, and exceeded 300,000 in 2017. Even in 2019, before COVID-19, about 302,200 passengers flew the route, but due to the impact of COVID-19, operations were almost halted last year, with only about 900 passengers.

Jeju Air resumed regular flights on the Incheon~Guam route in May and currently operates 1 to 2 flights daily. As of the 19th, it has transported over 40,900 passengers, bringing the cumulative number of passengers on the Incheon~Guam route to approximately 1,871,000.

Since resuming flights on the Incheon~Guam route in May, Jeju Air has continuously increased its market share. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Aviation Information Portal System, among the approximately 54,300 passengers on the Incheon~Guam route last month, about 12,600 used Jeju Air, recording the highest market share of 23.3% among domestic airlines.

Jeju Air will increase the Incheon~Guam route to two daily flights starting from the 30th, and from October 30, it will operate one flight departing during the day and one flight departing at night instead of two daytime flights. The Busan~Guam route, which was suspended after COVID-19, will also resume seven times a week from October 30. By increasing seat supply on Guam routes and operating both daytime and nighttime flights, Jeju Air plans to expand its market share and improve schedule convenience.

With Jeju Air’s entry, a practical multiple-competition system began, expanding consumer choice and creating reasonable fares and convenient travel environments. Guam, which was previously a honeymoon-focused package travel destination, has established itself as a family travel destination centered on independent travel. The number of Guam travelers has steadily increased, from about 393,000 in 2012 when Jeju Air started service to Guam, to approximately 1,539,000 in 2019 before COVID-19, a 3.9-fold increase over 10 years.

A Jeju Air official said, “By launching the Guam route, which was a strongly monopolized route, we provided reasonable fares and created a convenient travel environment, leading to changes in the travel market and increased consumer benefits. We will continue to strive to enhance convenience for passengers on the Guam route, which is the most notable travel destination in the post-COVID-19 era, and to increase our market share.”

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Guam service, Jeju Air is running a Guam route promotion from 10 a.m. today until October 3. Tickets for the Guam route departing between October 15 and March 25 next year will be sold starting at 157,300 KRW for Incheon~Guam and 153,700 KRW for Busan~Guam, based on one-way total fares including fuel surcharges and airport facility charges. Promotion discount codes that can be used even during peak seasons will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with discounts up to 50,000 KRW for one-way and up to 100,000 KRW for round-trip tickets.

Additionally, resort discounts such as accommodation discounts, late check-out, and food and beverage vouchers, as well as activity discounts for skydiving, Bikini Island, and duty-free shopping benefits, will be provided. An event is also being held where sharing Guam travel memory photos on Jeju Air’s official Instagram will enter participants into a drawing to win round-trip Guam tickets and coffee gifticons.