Air Premia, a mid to long-haul hybrid airline, is gearing up to celebrate its one-year anniversary on October 29.
Having boldly entered the competitive LA-Korea route—a domain traditionally held by two major Korean flag carriers and foreign airlines, Air Premia has seamlessly integrated itself into the long-distance travel market. By offering fares reduced by 20 to 30 percent and more spacious seats on new aircraft, the airline has captured the attention of value-seeking travelers, reinforcing its robust market position.
Based on data released by Air Premia, the airline has operated 519 flights over the past 11 months, which constitutes 10.8% of the total flights conducted by flag carriers.
During this period, Air Premia has catered to 137,755 passengers, claiming a 12.4% share of passengers on the LA route, which illustrates its competitive market presence. Moreover, the number of passengers per available seat per flight has stabilized at an impressive average of 85.7%.
Officials from Air Premia revealed that there is a high frequency of fully booked flights during the peak season. Consequently, the LA route’s operations have increased from five to six days a week since May.
A breakdown of passenger demographics on the LA route shows that women, making up 54.2%, slightly outnumber men, and ages vary from 20s (20.7%), to 60+ (19.1%), and 30s (17.7%).
Interestingly, foreign nationals accounted for 19.9% of all passengers, but this proportion rose to 43.9% on flights departing from LA, showing a diverse range of ethnicities, including Koreans, choosing Air Premia for travel to Korea.
Kibum Kim, head of Air Premia Commercial, stated, “Air Premia’s LA route embodies our identity as a hybrid airline. We’re committed to evolving and managing routes that resonate with our customers’ needs, bringing long-distance travel within closer reach.” Kim also extended his appreciation to Korean Americans in Southern California for their continuous support and interest over the past year.
Initiated in 2017 through investments from Korean Americans in Los Angeles, who desired enhanced carrier options on the LA route, Air Premia secured its Foreign Air Carrier Economic Licensing in 2019, and in July 2021, it received its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).
Post-inauguration of domestic flights on the Gimpo-Jeju route, the airline expanded its horizons internationally, flying to Singapore in July 2022 and Ho Chi Minh City in August. On October 29, Air Premia added Los Angeles to its portfolio, becoming the third national carrier to introduce this service in 31 years, following Asiana Airlines in 1991.
Currently, the airline operates regular flights to diverse destinations like Los Angeles, New York, Frankfurt, Germany, and Narita, Japan, with plans to initiate a non-scheduled service to Honolulu, Hawaii in December 2023.
In alignment with its expansion strategy, Air Premia aims to increase its fleet from five to nine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners next year, and intends to broaden its European network with new routes to Paris, France, and Rome, Italy.
To commemorate its first anniversary, Air Premia is holding a special promotion on the Los Angeles route. Until October 29, roundtrip tickets are available for $1,029, and one-way tickets for $561, inclusive of fuel charges and taxes. These promotional fares apply to flights scheduled between November 1 and June 30, 2024. For additional details, please visit (airpremia.com).
BY NAKI PARK, JUNHAN PARK [naki@koreadaily.com]
