Asiana Airlines’ 2nd budget carrier ready for take-off

[THE INVESTOR] Asiana Airlines ’ second budget carrier, Air Seoul, could receive the green light for take-off as early as next month. The Korean flag carrier also operates budget airline Air Busan.

According to industry sources, Air Seoul will receive the final assessment in the air operator’s certification process on June 30, and become certified early next month if all goes according to plan.

Air Seoul has completed test flights on domestic routes between June 15 and 28, and will now be tested on its response capabilities in emergency landing scenarios.

Asiana Airlines had initially planned to operate Air Seoul only on international routes. However, the company changes its plans after a preliminary review revealed shortcomings in Air Seoul’s preparations.

Under the changed plans, Air Seoul will first operate on domestic routes, and expand to international routes from October.

Air Seoul plans to operate the Gimpo-Jeju route four times a day with three A321-200 aircrafts loaned from its parent company.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)