Busan is pressing to host the headquarters of the integrated low-cost carrier as Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul move toward merger. The city’s push has intensified because Air Busan will disappear as a separate entity, while Jin Air’s current rules require its headquarters to remain in Seoul. Civic groups say the change is needed to support Gadeokdo New Airport and balanced regional development.
Jin Air's Boeing 787-800 passenger jet / Courtesy of Jin Air
The planned merger of Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul has reignited Busan’s push to host the headquarters of the integrated low-cost carrier (LCC) and build a second aviation hub outside Seoul.
The issue has gained urgency, as Air Busan will soon be absorbed into Jin Air, leaving the southern port city without its own regional carrier.
As Air Busan is set to disappear as a separate legal entity following the upcoming launch of the converged Jin Air in March next year, relocating the headquarters of the surviving Jin Air to Busan is emerging as the city’s last major option.
