{"id":118602,"date":"2025-10-26T19:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-26T13:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=118602"},"modified":"2025-10-26T14:06:52","modified_gmt":"2025-10-26T08:36:52","slug":"new-south-korean-airlines-eyes-flights-to-the-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/26\/new-south-korean-airlines-eyes-flights-to-the-us\/","title":{"rendered":"New South Korean Airlines Eyes Flights to the US"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

SEOUL-<\/strong> South Korea\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline plans to begin services from Seoul\u2019s Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Los Angeles (LAX)<\/a> and Las Vegas (LAS) in summer 2026, using its Airbus A330-200 aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"New
Photo: Steven Byles | Wikimedia Commons
https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:FlyGangwon_B737-8AL_HL8518_NRT_20-MAR-2023.jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rebirth of Fly Gangwon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parata Air emerged from the now-defunct Fly Gangwon, a regional airline that once operated Boeing 737-800s from Yangyang International Airport (YNY). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After financial struggles and bankruptcy, the airline was acquired by South Korean manufacturer Winix and rebranded as Parata Air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to CEO Yoon Chul-min, Parata Air\u2019s debut flights achieved up to 97% capacity, surpassing expectations. Yoon described the airline\u2019s vision as hybrid in nature, aiming to \u201ctranscend the boundaries of full-service and low-cost carriers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"South
Photo: Fahad Naim – X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Parata Air Eyes US Flights<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Parata Air currently operates a modest fleet of four aircraft \u2014 two Airbus A320-200s and two Airbus A330-200s \u2014 sourced from former operators Alitalia, Avianca, and Hainan Airlines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline has faced challenges in aircraft acquisition following Fly Gangwon\u2019s restructuring, but it has steadily expanded its fleet through secondary market leases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parata Air Fleet Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aircraft Type<\/th>Former Operator<\/th>Status<\/th>Seats<\/th>Age (Years)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
A320-200 (HL8741)<\/td>Alitalia<\/td>Parked<\/td>174<\/td>16.3<\/td><\/tr>
A320-200 (HL8742)<\/td>Alitalia<\/td>Active<\/td>168<\/td>16.3<\/td><\/tr>
A330-200 (HL8709)<\/td>Avianca Colombia<\/td>Active<\/td>294<\/td>16.5<\/td><\/tr>
A330-200 (HL8714)<\/td>Hainan Airlines<\/td>Parked<\/td>260<\/td>17.6<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Source: Simple Flying<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The A320s are being reconfigured to include 12 \u201cComfort+\u201d seats offering extra legroom in a 2-2 layout, while the A330s feature a 294-seat setup divided into Comfort+ and Economy cabins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This design reflects Parata Air\u2019s plan to position itself as a hybrid airline offering affordable comfort for long-haul travelers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Air
Photo: Cado Photo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Expansion to North America<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If approved, Parata Air will become the third South Korean LCC to serve the North American market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air Premia operates Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on routes to Los Angeles, Newark, Honolulu, and San Francisco, while Trinity Airways (formerly T\u2019way Air) serves destinations like Vancouver, Guam, and Saipan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current Korean LCC Routes to North America<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Airline<\/th>Destination<\/th>Frequency<\/th>Aircraft<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Air Premia<\/td>Honolulu<\/td>4x weekly<\/td>787-9<\/td><\/tr>
Air Premia<\/td>Los Angeles<\/td>2x daily<\/td>787-9<\/td><\/tr>
Air Premia<\/td>Newark<\/td>Daily<\/td>787-9<\/td><\/tr>
Air Premia<\/td>San Francisco<\/td>5x weekly<\/td>787-9<\/td><\/tr>
Trinity Airways<\/td>Vancouver<\/td>4x weekly<\/td>A330-300<\/td><\/tr>
Trinity Airways<\/td>Guam<\/td>Daily<\/td>737 MAX 8<\/td><\/tr>
Trinity Airways<\/td>Saipan<\/td>Daily<\/td>737-800<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While Parata Air\u2019s planned Seoul\u2013Los Angeles service faces competition from Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Air Premia, the Las Vegas route offers more opportunity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"South
Photo: Fahid Naim – X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Parata Air\u2019s entry into the long-haul low-cost market underscores South Korea\u2019s growing influence in transpacific aviation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite its small fleet and recent launch, the airline\u2019s plan to connect Seoul with two major US cities shows confidence in the post-pandemic travel rebound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If approved by the DOT, Parata Air could reshape affordable long-haul travel options between Asia and North America \u2014 offering passengers an alternative that blends low fares with upgraded comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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New US Airline Plans 2027 Launch With Luxe Airbus Fleet<\/a><\/blockquote>