Asiana launches Incheon-Rome route

Asiana Airlines CEO Kim Soo-cheon, sixth from left, with Park Wan-su, fifth from left, CEO of Incheon International Airport Corp., and K-pop star Psy, fourth from left, and other dignitaries during a ceremony to mark the carrier’s launch of the Incheon-Rome route at Incheon International Airport, Tuesday. / Yonhap

By Lee Hyo-sik

Asiana Airlines has launched direct flights from Incheon International Airport to Rome, establishing a presence in southern Europe.

Korea’s second-largest carrier said Tuesday it will operate a Boeing 777-200 capable of accommodating 300 passengers on the route three times a week ― Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The company held a ceremony to mark the maiden flight to Rome, Tuesday, which left Incheon airport at 1 p.m. for Italy’s capital. The Incheon-Rome route is expected to strengthen Asiana’s foothold in Europe, adding a major hub to its network.

Rome is Asiana’s fifth European destination. The carrier first flew to Frankfurt in 1997, and then to London in 2002 and Paris in 2008. In 2011, Asiana began flying to Istanbul.

“Our flight to Rome will strengthen our European network,” company CEO Kim Soo-cheon said. “At the same time, travelers heading to Europe will benefit more from our convenient flight schedules. This will enhance our competitiveness and raise our international profile as a premium carrier.”