Building a Network Connecting Local and Island Regions
Focusing on Unique Routes Instead of Competing with Major LCCs
Gimpo?Sacheon Route to Launch in the First Half of the Year
Seom Air, a newly established airline positioning itself as a Regional Air Mobility (RAM) provider, will launch air services this year that connect cities and islands within one hour. The company aims not only to meet tourism and business demand in regional and island areas, but also to contribute to emergency medical services.
On January 15, at the introduction ceremony for Seom Air's first aircraft held at Gimpo International Airport in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, CEO Choi Yongdeok told reporters, "Starting with the Gimpo-Sacheon route in the first half of this year, we will sequentially launch flights to Ulsan, Tsushima, Ulleungdo, Heuksando, and Baengnyeongdo."
The introduction ceremony of Seom Air's first aircraft held on the 15th at Gimpo International Airport, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Seom Air
CEO Choi stated, "Instead of competing with the 'big brothers,' the low-cost carriers (LCCs), we plan to focus on routes that only we can operate," adding, "By serving islands and regional areas that are underserved by air transportation and have not yet been served by domestic airlines, we aim to help revitalize regional airports."
On this day, Seom Air showcased its newly introduced small aircraft, the ATR 72-600, to differentiate itself. This model is a 72-seat turboprop (propeller) aircraft manufactured by France's ATR, a multinational aviation company under Airbus. Designed to take off and land on short runways of around 1,200 meters, it is well-suited for building short-haul air networks.
For example, Ulleung Airport, scheduled to open in 2028, is a small airport with a runway length of 1,200 meters. Among Japanese airports, 29-including Tsushima-have short runways, making it impossible for Boeing 737s, which are mainly operated by LCCs, to land.
Because Seom Air operates small aircraft, it is able to run flights cost-effectively. CEO Choi explained, "The largest cost for an airline is fuel. While a Boeing 737 requires about 2.7 tons of fuel for the Gimpo-Jeju route, this aircraft only consumes 650 kilograms."
The company also plans to establish itself as a transportation option supporting not only tourism and business, but also emergency medical situations. CEO Choi said, "The newly purchased model allows for the third row to be folded down to install a stretcher for emergency transport," adding, "There is expected to be strong demand for Marine Corps transport on Baengnyeongdo, and in the case of Ulleungdo, there are no hospitals at all."
Fares will be set at a competitive level compared to other modes of transportation. For example, the total cost of traveling from Seoul to Ulleungdo by KTX and ferry is around 140,000 to 150,000 won, and Seom Air plans to price its tickets similarly. CEO Choi said, "If the route includes KTX, we will set our prices accordingly, and if there are competing airlines, we will ensure our fares are even more competitive."
CEO Choi, a former investment banker, obtained both a Private Pilot License (PPL) and a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) before founding the airline startup in November 2022.
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