South Korea’s Air Premia and t’way Air Consider Joining Star Alliance Amid Asiana’s Expected Departure
South Korean airlines Air Premia and t’way Air are reportedly preparing to join Star Alliance, aiming to fill the vacancy expected from Asiana Airlines’ departure after its merger with Korean Air, a member of the rival Skyteam alliance. This development was reported by the Korean-language outlet, Asian Economy, which highlighted that both airlines are currently laying the groundwork to meet the alliance’s membership criteria.
Star Alliance membership requires adherence to specific safety, operational, fleet, and network standards. Additionally, prospective members must hold full International Air Transport Association (IATA) membership and operate a functional frequent flyer program. Presently, neither Air Premia nor t’way Air meets all these prerequisites.
Air Premia, which brands itself as a mid-market hybrid carrier transitioning towards a full-service model, currently operates five Boeing 787-9s. It has initiated several service enhancements including revamping its inflight WiFi for North American routes, joining TSA’s PreCheck program, and upgrading its amenity kits. Plans are underway to expand its fleet, with intentions to add two more Boeing 787-9s this year and acquire four additional units from Korean Air. These expansions are part of broader efforts to increase its U.S. flight operations and enhance competition, aligning with Korean Air’s commitments to US antitrust regulators for merger approval.
Conversely, t’way Air maintains a strict low-cost carrier model, operating a fleet of 31 aircraft, including three A330-300s, two Boeing 737-8s, and twenty-six Boeing 737-800s. The airline covers 41 destinations in 16 countries and is planning to extend its network to four European Union airports, utilizing A330-200s and crews provided by Korean Air—a move aimed at securing merger clearance from the European Commission.
Regarding alliance-specific requirements, Air Premia has established a frequent flyer program but lacks IATA membership, whereas t’way Air holds IATA membership but does not yet offer a loyalty program. Both carriers are addressing their financial challenges, marked by capital erosion from accumulated deficits and debts, yet they have started to report operating profits as the North Asian market recovers post-pandemic.
Asiana Airlines’ departure from Star Alliance following its merger would leave a significant gap, as it currently accounts for 77.3% of the alliance’s capacity in South Korea. The next largest Star Alliance contributors in the region are Air China, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and EVA Air. The potential inclusion of Air Premia and t’way Air could help Star Alliance maintain a strong presence in South Korea, ensuring continued connectivity and service options for international travelers in the region.