The World’s First Hybrid Airline: Air Premia

You may be familiar with the two main groups of airlines: full-service carriers and low-cost carriers. But have you ever heard of a "hybrid" airline? Today, we will look at the world's first example of such an airline: Air Premia from South Korea.

The "Hybrid" Model

Being the world's first official hybrid airline, Air Premia's business model combines the service standards of a full-service carrier with elements of a low-cost alternative.

Let's first analyze what sort of "low-cost" traits the carrier offers in its service.

The airline offers only two aircraft classes: Premium Economy and Standard Economy. This is similar to long-haul low-cost carriers like Jetstar, Norse Atlantic, and Scoot.

Air Premia's Premium Economy is called "Premia 42", with the "42" denoting the seat pitch of these seats. The cabin boasts 56 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, a standard low-cost premium cabin layout.

The airline's standard coach section is called "Premia 35", and, yes, the airline does provide 35 inches of pitch in standard economy class, which is slightly more than many full-service airlines.

To keep costs low, Air Premia operates an entirely Boeing 787 fleet, with five 787-9s in operation and four more on order.

The 787 Dreamliner is the most common widebody aircraft used by low-cost airlines for long-haul operations. The three budget carriers mentioned earlier operate this plane. Thanks to its incredible fuel efficiency and overall low operating cost, the Dreamliner is the perfect option for budget carriers.

Budget airlines are notorious for charging ancillary fees for specific amenities. Air Premia charges extra for duty-free sales and onboard WiFi access. Passengers receive one hour of free messaging; however, internet access requires a fee.

Air Premia charges $5.95 for a "Full Flight Chat" messaging plan, $16.95 for three hours of internet access, and $29.95 for a complete flight pass. Both internet plans include messaging.

However, that is about Air Premia's services' "low-cost" facets. Now, let's examine what full-service traits you would find in this career.

Air Premia surprisingly offers free baggage allowances, which is helpful for passengers making the long trek from South Korea to the United States. Furthermore, they offer free inflight meals across both classes. Such a perk would warrant a fee on long-haul, low-cost airlines.

Air Premia's inflight entertainment system is also accessible across both classes. Again, this perk would cost money on actual low-cost carriers.

Air Premia is "an airline that streamlines unnecessary elements, delivering premium offerings exclusively where essential". 

Based on this logic, amenities like food and inflight entertainment are essential on those long 12-to-13-hour voyages. Other areas like WiFi or duty-free sales would be deemed "unnecessary" and thus require additional charges.

About Air Premia

Air Premia was established in 2017 but officially took flight in August 2021. Its first flight was on the popular Seoul to Jeju route, one of the busiest routes in the world.

The carrier operated this route for just two months, ending it in October 2021 as it prepared for its ultimate goal of long-haul expansion.

Today, the carrier operates its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners fleet to five destinations from its hub at Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN). These destinations are Bangkok, Thailand (BKK); Tokyo Narita, Japan (NRT); Los Angeles (LAX); San Francisco, California (SFO); and Newark, New Jersey (EWR).

The carrier also operates occasional charter flights to Dhaka, Bangladesh (DAC), Oslo, Norway (OSL), and Barcelona, Spain (BCN).