Popular 'Tourism Flights'... A Boom in Domestic Aviation Industry Product Launches

Following Asiana, Jeju Air Also Launches Sightseeing Flight Packages for Sale

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the 'tourist flights' arranged as a last resort are gaining popularity, prompting national airlines to actively launch related products.

According to the aviation industry on the 8th, Asiana Airlines will operate the second A380-800 Time-Leaf tourist flight over two days starting from the 31st. This flight will also depart from Incheon International Airport, circle over Gangneung, Pohang, Gimhae, and Jeju for about two hours, and then return to Incheon.

This is Asiana Airlines' second tourist flight, following the first flight sold last month which gained popularity mainly among so-called 'hangdeok (aviation enthusiasts)'. In fact, Asiana Airlines sold tickets for the first tourist flight on the 24th of last month and sold out all 312 seats available for direct sale on the same day, becoming a hot topic.

As tourist flights gain popularity, other national airlines are also preparing to launch products. Jeju Air, the number one low-cost carrier (LCC), will operate a tourist flight on the 23rd using its main LCC aircraft, the B737-800. This aircraft is equipped with 'New Class' seats, which are equivalent to business class seats in LCCs. Jeju Air's tourist flight will also operate a route circling over domestic airspace before returning to Incheon Airport.

Air Busan, which previously operated flights for aviation-related university student training, is also reportedly preparing a tourist flight for the general public around the end of this month. The flight will use Air Busan's latest aircraft, the A321neo LR. In addition, Korean Air and others are also reportedly considering similar plans.

As tourist flights show early signs of success, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is reportedly reviewing measures to allow in-flight duty-free shop operations in cooperation with related departments. Under current law, duty-free sales are only permitted on international flights, but since tourist flights circle over foreign airspace, this condition can be partially met. An industry insider said, "If it becomes possible to circle over foreign countries' airspace and allow duty-free sales, passenger interest is expected to increase significantly."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.