Korean Air announced Wednesday the launch of new international flight routes connecting Cheongju, and Osaka and Bangkok, making it easier for residents from Chungcheong Province to travel to Japan and Thailand.

The nation’s largest air carrier began operating a flight service between Cheongju International Airport and Kansai International Airport on Sept. 1, with a B737-800 flight capable of carrying 150 passengers. The flight will operate four times a week _ Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

The company will also begin operating flights between Cheongju and Bangkok on Sept. 2, twice a week _ Thursday and Sunday.

A Korean Air spokesman said the airline will continue to introduce more international routes connecting Cheongju and cities in Japan, China and Southeast countries. ``More international flight services will boost the competitiveness of the Cheongju airport and make it more convenient for residents in the central part of the nation to travel overseas.’’