Air Premia growth passes 1 million passengers in 2025

Air Premia, South Korea’s only hybrid airline, surpassed 1 million annual passengers for the first time in 2025, entering a full-scale growth phase.

The carrier transported 1,088,964 passengers across 4,118 flights during the year, achieving an average load factor of about 80%. Despite external variables such as changes in immigration policy, demand remained relatively stable. The milestone marks the first time since its launch that the airline

has crossed the 1 million mark.

This performance reflects the company’s broader Air Premia growth strategy, which combines long-haul U.S. routes with medium- and short-haul services across Asia.

Passenger volume was evenly distributed across major international routes. The Los Angeles route served 211,200 passengers, followed by New York with 148,000, San Francisco with 97,800, and Honolulu with 48,500. In Asia, Narita recorded 182,000 passengers, while Bangkok handled 155,500.

The figures show consistent demand across both long-haul U.S. routes and mid-range Asian destinations.

In 2025, Air Premia added three aircraft, expanding its fleet to nine planes. The airline launched new routes to Da Nang and Hong Kong in January, followed by Honolulu in July.

The expansion was described as a strategic move to build a more stable network beyond a purely long-haul model, strengthening links between the U.S. and Asia.

The airline also entered specialized transport segments. Through a contract with the Republic of Korea Armed Forces Transportation Command, Air Premia supported overseas troop movements, operating charter flights using its wide-body fleet.

Cargo growth outpaced passenger gains. According to the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the carrier transported 34,546 tons of cargo in 2025, a 47.5% increase from the previous year. Excluding Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and the dedicated cargo carrier Air Zeta, this was the highest cargo volume among South Korean carriers.

An Air Premia spokesperson said the airline plans to operate a stable network of nine routes, including a new Washington, D.C. service scheduled to launch this year. The company aims to improve aircraft utilization and upgrade services to strengthen both profitability and competitiveness.

The results underscore how Air Premia growth is being driven by balanced route demand, fleet expansion, and a rapidly expanding cargo business.

BY Eunyoung Lee lee.eunyoung6@koreadaily.com