Aviation Industry's Desperate Measure Amid Prolonged COVID-19... Surge in Non-Stop Sightseeing Flights

As Korean Air's acquisition of Asiana Airlines is underway, on the 17th, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines passenger planes are parked behind the construction site of the 4th runway at Incheon International Airport. 2020. 11. 17

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] The aviation industry is entering the non-landing sightseeing flight business due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. While low-cost carriers (LCCs) have mainly operated these products, recently full-service carriers (FSCs) have also started participating.

According to the industry on the 6th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport granted a total of 23 sightseeing flight permits this month to seven domestic airlines, including Korean Air.

Korean Air will operate its first international non-landing sightseeing flight departing from Incheon Airport on the 27th, circling over the Korea Strait and Jeju Island before returning. Korean Air had considered operating non-landing sightseeing flights last year but postponed it and received approval this month. It is expected to deploy the A380, a large aircraft. Passengers will also be able to purchase duty-free goods.

Asiana Airlines also introduced a "same-day overseas travel" non-landing flight product operating on the 13th, 14th, 21st, and 28th using the A380. The Business Smartium class requires 50,000 miles, while Economy class tickets for February flights can be purchased with a 50% discount compared to the regular fare, deducting 15,000 miles, offering differentiation.

T'way Air will additionally operate two international non-landing sightseeing flights on the 13th and 28th of this month. The flights will depart from Incheon International Airport at 4:15 PM on the 13th and around 2 PM on the 28th, circle over Fukuoka, and return to Incheon International Airport. T'way Air is holding an event offering up to 60% discount for pre-ordered in-flight duty-free products.

Air Seoul will operate non-landing overseas sightseeing flights with duty-free shopping available on the 20th and 21st. When using Lotte Duty Free, online purchases can receive up to 62% discount; Shilla Internet Duty Free offers reward points benefits up to 1 million KRW, and Hyundai Department Store Duty Free provides reward points and H prepaid card benefits up to 460,000 KRW.

Air Busan will operate non-landing sightseeing flights four times this month on the 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. The flight route will be the same "Tsushima Island" sightseeing course as last month, departing from Incheon International Airport at 2 PM, circling over Tsushima Island in Japan, and returning to Incheon at 4 PM.

Additionally, Jin Air plans flights on the 6th, 7th, and 11th, and Jeju Air on the 6th, 19th (two flights), and 26th (two flights).

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