SEOUL- South Korea’s newest low-cost carrier, Parata Air (PA), has officially applied to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for permission to operate flights to the United States.
The airline plans to begin services from Seoul’s Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Los Angeles (LAX) and Las Vegas (LAS) in summer 2026, using its Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FlyGangwon_B737-8AL_HL8518_NRT_20-MAR-2023.jpg
Rebirth of Fly Gangwon
This marks a major expansion for the startup carrier, which only began commercial operations recently. If approved, Parata Air would become the third South Korean long-haul low-cost carrier (LCC) to fly to the US, joining Air Premia and Trinity Airways.
Parata Air emerged from the now-defunct Fly Gangwon, a regional airline that once operated Boeing 737-800s from Yangyang International Airport (YNY).
After financial struggles and bankruptcy, the airline was acquired by South Korean manufacturer Winix and rebranded as Parata Air.
The new carrier launched its first commercial flights between Seoul Gimpo (GMP) and Yangyang using an Airbus A330-200. It has since expanded with services connecting Jeju (CJU), Seoul, and Yangyang.
Although using widebody jets on short domestic routes is unusual for a startup, the company has clarified that this is a temporary measure until its smaller Airbus A320-200 aircraft become fully operational.
According to CEO Yoon Chul-min, Parata Air’s debut flights achieved up to 97% capacity, surpassing expectations. Yoon described the airline’s vision as hybrid in nature, aiming to “transcend the boundaries of full-service and low-cost carriers.”
Parata Air Eyes US Flights
Parata Air currently operates a modest fleet of four aircraft — two Airbus A320-200s and two Airbus A330-200s — sourced from former operators Alitalia, Avianca, and Hainan Airlines.
The airline has faced challenges in aircraft acquisition following Fly Gangwon’s restructuring, but it has steadily expanded its fleet through secondary market leases.
Parata Air Fleet Overview
| Aircraft Type | Former Operator | Status | Seats | Age (Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A320-200 (HL8741) | Alitalia | Parked | 174 | 16.3 |
| A320-200 (HL8742) | Alitalia | Active | 168 | 16.3 |
| A330-200 (HL8709) | Avianca Colombia | Active | 294 | 16.5 |
| A330-200 (HL8714) | Hainan Airlines | Parked | 260 | 17.6 |
Source: Simple Flying
The A320s are being reconfigured to include 12 “Comfort+” seats offering extra legroom in a 2-2 layout, while the A330s feature a 294-seat setup divided into Comfort+ and Economy cabins.
This design reflects Parata Air’s plan to position itself as a hybrid airline offering affordable comfort for long-haul travelers.
Expansion to North America
If approved, Parata Air will become the third South Korean LCC to serve the North American market.
Air Premia operates Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on routes to Los Angeles, Newark, Honolulu, and San Francisco, while Trinity Airways (formerly T’way Air) serves destinations like Vancouver, Guam, and Saipan.
Current Korean LCC Routes to North America
| Airline | Destination | Frequency | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Premia | Honolulu | 4x weekly | 787-9 |
| Air Premia | Los Angeles | 2x daily | 787-9 |
| Air Premia | Newark | Daily | 787-9 |
| Air Premia | San Francisco | 5x weekly | 787-9 |
| Trinity Airways | Vancouver | 4x weekly | A330-300 |
| Trinity Airways | Guam | Daily | 737 MAX 8 |
| Trinity Airways | Saipan | Daily | 737-800 |
While Parata Air’s planned Seoul–Los Angeles service faces competition from Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Air Premia, the Las Vegas route offers more opportunity.
Currently, Korean Air operates a single daily 777-300ER flight between Seoul and Las Vegas, leaving room for a budget alternative to attract both leisure and connecting travelers.
Bottom Line
Parata Air’s entry into the long-haul low-cost market underscores South Korea’s growing influence in transpacific aviation.
Despite its small fleet and recent launch, the airline’s plan to connect Seoul with two major US cities shows confidence in the post-pandemic travel rebound.
If approved by the DOT, Parata Air could reshape affordable long-haul travel options between Asia and North America — offering passengers an alternative that blends low fares with upgraded comfort.
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