Asiana to link Melbourne and Seoul

South Korean carrier Asiana Airlines is set to launch seasonal flights between Melbourne and Seoul. The direct service, which will operate every Tuesday and Thursday to Incheon Airport, will commence on 26 December using Asiana’s A350-900 aircraft. Flights will depart Melbourne at 10pm to arrive in Seoul the following morning. Melbourne Airport’s head of aviation, Jim Parashos, said the new direct service will mean travellers and exporters will be able to avoid connecting through another city to reach South Korea. “Victoria has increasingly close business links to South Korea, with companies making significant investments in our state, such as the new Hanwha Defence facility at Geelong,” he said. “Melbourne Airport’s own ties with South Korea have been growing, with one of the country’s largest companies, Lotte, taking over operation of the airport’s duty free business in June. “As the home of K-Pop, South Korea is attracting an increasing number of Australian tourists, while Melbourne’s major events such as the Australian Open are a huge drawcard for Korean visitors. “We expect this seasonal service will prove popular, and we are hopeful it will pave the way for regular, year-round flights in the future.”<br/>