Air Premia has welcomed its newest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, expanding its fleet to six aircraft in its first fleet addition since mid-2023.
The Korean hybrid carrier also announced plans to introduce three more aircraft next year, signaling a significant phase in its growth strategy. The new widebody fleet addition will now commence line operations in early 2025.
Air Premia and Korean Aviation
Founded in 2017 and launching operations in 2021, Air Premia has quickly established itself as a pioneering force in Korea’s aviation sector. Operating as Korea’s exclusive hybrid service carrier (HSC), the airline bridges the gap between full-service and low-cost carriers.
This unique positioning allows Air Premia to combine premium amenities with competitive pricing, aligning with their mission to be recognized as “an airline loved for its premium yet essential services.”
The airline’s innovative business model focuses on delivering enhanced value through thoughtfully selected premium services while maintaining operational efficiency.
This approach has resonated particularly well with both leisure and business travelers seeking quality service without the full-service carrier price tag.
Boeing 787-9 Configuration
The latest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner accommodates 344 passengers across two cabin classes. Premium economy offers generous space with 35 seats featuring a 46-inch pitch, while the 309 economy seats provide a comfortable 31-inch pitch.
Looking ahead, the airline will upgrade its economy section to offer an enhanced 33-inch pitch, demonstrating its commitment to passenger comfort across all cabin classes.
The new aircraft will commence operations in January 2025, following completion of necessary inspections and interior modifications. It will primarily serve routes to the Americas.
The Dreamliner’s innovative design, incorporating more than 50% carbon composite materials in its construction, achieves 20% better fuel efficiency than traditional passenger aircraft. With its impressive 15,000 km range, the aircraft excels on long-haul routes like Seoul to New York.
The Dreamliner’s advanced features, including larger windows, improved cabin pressure, and higher humidity levels, significantly enhance the passenger experience during long-haul flights. These improvements help reduce jet lag and provide a more comfortable journey overall.
Ambitious Growth Plans
The airline currently serves several major destinations, including Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Tokyo Narita, and Bangkok.
Early 2025 will see Air Premia launch new services to Da Nang and Hong Kong, with Honolulu and Seattle routes following later. This expansion reflects the airline’s strategic focus on both regional Asian markets and trans-Pacific routes.
Supporting this network expansion, the airline will integrate three additional aircraft during 2025, bringing its total fleet to nine aircraft.
This fleet growth will enable Air Premia to increase flight frequencies on existing routes while launching new destinations, enhancing network connectivity for passengers.
“Fleet expansion is crucial for growth in the aviation industry,” explained Seung-shin Park, Head of Public Relations at Air Premia. “We are developing a balanced route portfolio to enhance both customer convenience and profitability.”
“Our focus remains on maintaining operational efficiency while delivering the premium essentials our passengers value most.”
The airline’s expansion comes at a time of increasing demand for air travel in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in the post-pandemic recovery phase.
Air Premia’s hybrid model positions it uniquely to capture market share from both traditional full-service carriers and low-cost operators, offering passengers a compelling alternative in the increasingly competitive aviation landscape.
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