Air Premia, a South Korean airline, has announced its latest route to the United States, enhancing its international operations. Starting in April, the airline will commence flights from Seoul Incheon to Washington Dulles, aiming to capitalize on peak travel demand during the summer.
New Route Details
The flights to Washington Dulles are scheduled for four times a week, beginning on April 24. This service represents a significant milestone, as it marks the introduction of direct competition for Korean Air on this route.
- Flight Schedule:
- Departing from Dulles: 10:05 AM, arriving in Incheon at 10:50 AM the following day
- Return Flight: Departing Incheon at 1:20 PM, arriving in Dulles at 5:45 PM the next day
Due to the avoidance of Russian airspace, the return trip to Asia will take approximately 15 hours and 25 minutes, making it Air Premia’s longest route to the US. The airline operates a fleet of eight Boeing 787-9 aircraft, averaging 7.4 years in age, with configurations ranging from 309 to 344 seats.
Market Landscape and Competition
The US-Korea travel market has shown promising growth, with a total of 154,000 passengers recorded between Seoul and the DC area over the past year. Air Premia’s new service will add to the competitive landscape, which includes major carriers like Korean Air.
Future Route Expansion
In addition to flights to Washington Dulles, Air Premia plans charter services to Las Vegas starting in January. The airline’s US operations began in 2022 and have expanded to include routes to Los Angeles, Newark, and San Francisco, with intentions to serve Honolulu by 2025.
Passenger Traffic Insights
The combined passenger traffic for all DC-area airports, encompassing Dulles, Reagan, and Baltimore, reached approximately 1.5 million passengers traveling to Asia, excluding the Middle East. The demand for travel between Seoul and Washington D.C. is particularly strong, with Seoul ranking as the second most trafficked destination after Tokyo.
Conclusion
As Air Premia enters the competitive transpacific market, its expansion to Washington Dulles demonstrates the airline’s commitment to increasing its presence in the US. With significant prospects for growth, the forthcoming route will cater to the increasing number of travelers between South Korea and the United States.
