Korean low-cost carrier Jin Air has solidified plans to begin long-haul daily operations to the Pacific island of Guam, following a series of summer-only schedules to China.
The new schedule, which will start in December, will use the first of three B777-200ERs due for final delivery by mid-2015 and solidifies the airline’s claims earlier this year to stretch its boundaries beyond Phuket, Thailand. Jeju Air plans to open the Korea-Guam route early in 2015, to expand its tally to seven international destinations.
The carrier originally planned to open the route earlier this year, but was unable to secure approval from Guam until recently. Guam airport authorities estimate the new route will add some 55,000 incoming tourists to the island’s economy.
Jin Air CEO Ma Won said the airline would look at other long-haul destinations including Honolulu, Australia and possibly Europe. “The only way to achieve a breakthrough in growth is to offer long-range flights that go beyond Phuket,” he said.