SEOUL, April 15 (Korea Bizwire) — Aero K Airlines Co. on Thursday began regular flights with an A320ceo aircraft as South Korea’s eighth low-cost carrier.
Aero K began services on a domestic route between Cheongju, 140 kilometers south of Seoul, and Jeju Island, with a plan to expand flights to Asian countries such as China, Taiwan, Japan and Vietnam, the company said in a statement.
The budget carrier has leased three A320ceo passenger jets from U.S.-based aviation investment manager Carlyle Aviation Partners Ltd.
“We are currently operating one A320 aircraft and considering receiving the remaining two after July, depending on market conditions,” a company spokesman said.
It took more than five years for Aero K to fly its first commercial flight due to issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and tougher competition with other local budget carriers, independent or part of full-service carriers.
South Korea has two full-service carriers — Korean Air Lines Co. and Asiana Airlines Inc. — and seven budget carriers — Jeju Air, Jin Air, Air Busan Co., Air Seoul Inc., Eastar Jet, T’way and Fly Gangwon.
(Yonhap)