South Korean low-cost carrier Jin Air has confirmed plans to launch long-haul low-cost operations in the second half of 2015.

The carrier has also decided that the long-haul arm will start operations using three Boeing 777-200ERs, which it will lease from parent Korean Air. It opted for the Boeing aircraft, the first of which it will receive in December, due to the type's range and proven ability to perform long-haul operations, says a spokesman.

Jin Air, which will operate its long-haul arm under the same brand, will configure the 777s with 383 seats in an all economy class layout. The carrier is however also considering having an "economy plus" option, featuring seats with an increased seat pitch of up to 37in (94cm).

The carrier has yet to decide on the destinations it will serve, although it says these are likely to be in Europe and North America. FlightMaps Analytics shows that Jin Air currently operates services to leisure destinations in North and Southeast Asia, with its sole domestic service being the Seoul-Jeju route.

This year, Jin Air will add a 737 and a 777 to its fleet. This will be followed by two 777s and five 737s in 2015, bringing its fleet from 11 to 20 aircraft, says the spokesman.

Source: Airline Business

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