Low-cost airlines capture over 20% of South Korean market for first time; domestic nearly 50%

Korean LCCs are increasing their market share, accounting for 10% of the international market and just under 50% in the much smaller domestic arena. But they are still passing up numerous opportunities, and these are becoming more apparent and with greater impact as LCCs increase in North Asia, notably Japan.

Two - Air Busan and Jin Air - are tethered to their full-service parents while independent Jeju Air has done comparatively well and preparing for an IPO to advance growth. But smaller independent LCCs Eastar Jet and t'way are still moving up. They straddle the low-cost and full-service spectrum, being closer to low fare than low-cost airlines. While they argue the Korean market is not ready for LCCs, they know they must move as international competition intensifies. They only need to look at Japan's Peach, which is finding success in another market once thought to be too sensitive for LCCs. AirAsia Japan's failure is a reminder that finding the nuances and achieving balance between management style, market demand and the balance sheet is not easy.