Jin Air, Air Busan, Air Seoul to merge March 2027

South Korean low-cost carriers Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul are set to merge, operating under the Jin Air brand from 17 March 2027. This consolidation follows the larger merger between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, with all involved airlines belonging to the Hanjin Group.

The boards of Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul each approved the planned merger on 21 August 2026, subsequently signing the merger agreement. While operations are scheduled to begin on 17 March 2027, the merger is contingent on further steps, including shareholder votes in December 2026 and regulatory approvals for air traffic rights.

Under the agreement, Jin Air will remain the legal entity, absorbing the assets, liabilities, rights, obligations, employees, and legal status of Air Busan and Air Seoul. The Air Busan and Air Seoul brands are expected to cease to exist following the integration.

Fleet and Network Consolidation

The merged entity plans to integrate the fleets, flight operations, and maintenance divisions of Air Busan and Air Seoul into Jin Air's existing operational structure, utilising Jin Air's Air Operator Certificate. The combined fleet will consist of 59 aircraft, comprising 32 from Jin Air, 21 from Air Busan, and six from Air Seoul. This will position the new Jin Air as the largest low-cost carrier in South Korea by fleet size.

In 2025, the three airlines collectively transported approximately 20.2 million passengers, with Jin Air accounting for 11.2 million, Air Busan for 6.8 million, and Air Seoul for 2.2 million. The previously separate route networks will be reorganised, with routes and flight schedules adjusted based on demand to leverage the larger, more flexible fleet. A key focus is expected to be the integration of Seoul-Incheon activities with Air Busan's network from Busan. Details regarding specific route adjustments, new connections, or frequency changes have not yet been released.

Source: Meilenoptimierens

Opinion

This merger, a direct consequence of the Korean Air-Asiana Airlines tie-up, creates a dominant low-cost carrier in South Korea. For travellers, the immediate impact is the disappearance of the Air Busan and Air Seoul brands. While the promise of optimised routes and flexible fleet deployment sounds positive, such consolidations often lead to reduced competition and potentially fewer choices for consumers in the long run.