South Korea: Budget airlines turn to cargo shipping, long-haul flights for breakthrough

The nation’s low-cost carriers facing financial difficulties caused by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic are bringing in cargo planes and planes for long-haul flights to diversify their source of revenue. T’way Air, for instance, will introduce on Thursday Airbus A330-300 planes that can cover long-haul distances for more than 300 passengers. The plane will begin to operate within the country in March and then be used for longer routes to Singapore, Australia, Croatia, and Kyrgyzstan. “We will be the first low-cost carrier to implement business class seats with premium flatbeds that can offer a comfortable and spacious traveling experience to passengers,” said an official from T’way Air. South Korea’s biggest low-cost carrier, Jeju Air, will be the first to operate a cargo plane among local budget airlines. The 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter, the same model as the company’s passenger jets, will be used for transporting cargo. Another budget carrier, Air Premia, has been benefiting from its cargo business that recorded 281 metric tons of shipments last month. Air Premia began its international cargo transportation service last December, with its planes flying from Incheon to Singapore.<br/>