Jin Air launches 777, becoming first North Asian widebody LCC. Jeju Air plans for 40 aircraft fleet

Jin Air, the LCC associated with Korean Air, has become the first active LCC in North Asia to have a widebody operation. Jin Air has commenced 777-200 flights between Seoul Incheon and Guam. Its initial single 777 will be joined by two more in 2015, at which point Jin Air will look to add destinations such as Hawaii. The low-density configuration with generous luggage allowance and snacks included indicate Jin Air is less aggressive than the likes of AirAsia X and Scoot, although Korean consumers have signalled they want a higher standard of carrier.

Jin Air hopes the 777 project will see it overtake Korea's largest LCC, independently-owned Jeju Air. Jeju has responded by considering its own long-haul operation as it builds to a fleet of 40 737s as early as 2018; it has 17 737s in Dec-2014. An IPO for as early as May-2015 will see around 20% of the company floated and cash used to fund expansion and IT infrastructure developments. This is a considerable amount of activity in Korea, which has been a sleepy market for LCCs.