South Korea’s T’Way Air readies for Zagreb launch

Low cost carrier T’Way Air is set to commence operations between Seoul and Zagreb in just two months, marking the resumption of flights between the two countries after almost five years. T’Way will maintain three weekly rotations with its 347-seat Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Speaking to EX-YU Aviation News, the carrier noted, “T'Way Air is diligently preparing to ensure a smooth and successful introduction of this exciting route. Our dedicated team has analysed market demand, flight schedules, and operational logistics to optimse the Seoul - Zagreb route”. Due to geopolitical circumstance, Korean carriers are no longer allowed to fly over Russian airspace, which will force the outbound sector of T’Way’s Zagreb service to make a technical stop in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The airline said the stop is purely technical, meaning no passengers will either board or disembark the aircraft in Bishkek and no tickets are being sold on the Seoul – Bishkek leg of the journey on this flight. The airline has indicated the stop may be eliminated in the future as more longer-range aircraft enter the fleet. The inbound flight will operate nonstop, due to a shorter flying time and wind currents.

T'Way Air notes the service, its first to Europe, is primarily targeted at South Korean leisure travellers, although ticket sales for those passengers originating from Zagreb launched recently. The airline explains the majority of the seats are being acquired by tour operators. In fact, they were available to tour agents before they were officially put on sale through the carrier’s website. “South Korean tour operators have developed specialised travel packages that showcase the best of what Croatia and the surrounding region have to offer”, the company said. Currently, one of the more popular packages includes a visit to Croatia, Slovenia, as well as Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The low cost carrier plans to maintain its Zagreb flights on a year-round basis. “The decision to launch flights between Seoul and Zagreb aligns with T'Way Air's strategic goal of expanding into emerging markets with high growth potential”, it noted. The airline’s A330-300s feature a high-density cabin configuration, including twelve seats in business class and the remaining 335 in economy. Due to the journey time, lasting fifteen hours and twenty minutes on the outbound and ten hours and 55 minutes on the inbound, the onboard service will somewhat differ from the majority of T’Way’s other flights. Business class passengers will enjoy two complimentary meals, complimentary checked-in luggage amounting to forty kilograms, two carry-on bags and an angled seat. Baggage allowance for economy class passengers varies based on fare type but is complementary. Pre-ordered meals and seat selection are offered as ancillary services during the booking process. While there is no in-flight entertainment, economy class seats have USB ports, while business class seats have power plugs.

T'Way Air will become South Korea’s second largest airline upon the completion of the megamerger between Korean Air and Asiana. As part of the merger, and to alley competition concerns, T’Way Air has been requested to commence operations from Seoul to Rome, Barcelona, Paris, and Frankfurt this summer. Korean Air said in a statement that it “plans to provide comprehensive support to T’way Air” in order for it to launch these flights. Although it did not specify what forms of support will be offered, this is likely to include logistic and operational guidance for entering these major new markets. T’way CEO, Jeong Hong-geun, has previously suggested that Korean Air may lease his airline A330-200s, which have a longer range than the larger -300 series.