By Lee Hyo-sik
T’way Air, previously known as Hansung Airlines, plans to resume operating flights between Gimpo and Jeju as early as Sept. 17 to serve a growing number of air travelers ahead of the Chuseok holiday.
The nation’s first budget carrier went bankrupt in December 2008 when the global financial crisis hit Korea hard. It had been under court receivership until April this year when a local venture capital decided to take over its majority stake and change its name from Hansung Airlines to T’way Air.
In a press conference held at the Westin Chosun Hotel, Monday, T’way Air CEO Yoon Duk-young said it will operate two B737-800 airplanes between Gimpo and Jeju as soon as it receives an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs. It is expected to be issued on Sept. 16.
``The letter ``T’’ stands for tomorrow, today and together, meaning we will serve passengers at all times in close cooperation with them. We will first operate two airplanes between Gimpo and Jeju, the most popular domestic route,’’ Yoon said, adding the company will bring in 10 more airplanes by 2012 to launch international routes to cites in Japan and China.
The CEO said T’way Air will become the most profitable and efficient budget carrier in the country by providing state-of-the-art, innovative services to passengers at the most reasonable price. ``Many Chinese will come to Korea on the easing of visa rules. We expect our Gimpo-Jeju route will be profitable and become a stepping stone for our comeback.’’
As part of its efforts to promote its launching of the Gimpo-Jeju route, the company will offer free round-trip tickets to all passengers on the first day of operation. From Sept. 27 to 30, it will only charge round-trip passengers one-way fares.
Those who want to fly with T’way Air can make a reservation on its website (www.twayair.com) or call 1688-8686.