K-Aviation Renews Bid for U.S. Permit with Business Jets

K-Aviation has renewed its push for a U.S. Foreign Air Carrier Permit, updating its 2023 application with a request that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issue conditional approval to begin operations using two business jets currently operated by parent company Korean Air.

The South Korean operator is facing a regulatory hurdle—it cannot obtain permanent U.S. authority without first adding the aircraft to its Operations Specifications (OpSpecs). However, transferring the jets without U.S. approval poses a financial risk if the permit is denied or delayed. K-Aviation argues that grounding the aircraft during the recertification process would lead to significant operational losses.

To resolve the issue, K-Aviation is asking the DOT for conditional approval, which would allow it to proceed with the aircraft transfer and regulatory steps while having assurance that it can serve the U.S. market once requirements are met.

The two jets in question are Boeing 737-700(BBJ) HL8222 and Bombardier Global Express XRS HL8230. K-Aviation plans to operate these aircraft under long-term charter or membership agreements with at least three multinational firms based in South Korea. If demand exists, the jets would be used for global operations, including routes to the U.S.

K-Aviation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Korean Air founded in 2021, currently operates four AW139 helicopters and one Airbus ACH160. It is certified only for rotary-wing operations but is aiming to enter the business aviation market with fixed-wing jets.

Its latest application has not been opposed by Amerijet International, which previously objected.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com