Air Premia takes off as South Korea's mid-service carrier

Korean Air-Asiana merger opens up opportunity to expand routes

Air Premia's concept is staking a place between being a major carrier and a low-cost carrier. (Photo courtesy of Air Premia)

KOTARO HOSOKAWA and MASAHISA YUZAWA, Nikkei staff writers

September 3, 2023 11:07 JST

SEOUL/TOKYO -- Air Premia is stretching its wings in South Korea's crowded aviation field, carving a niche as an amalgam between a budget carrier and a full-service airline.

Established in 2017, Air Premia was launched by the former president of low-cost carrier Jeju Air. During the pandemic, local private equity firm LC Partners took over the airline. In July last year, Air Premia started service on its first international route connecting Seoul's Incheon Airport and Singapore.