Low Cost Carrier (LCC) Parata Airlines is set to introduce its first aircraft. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is in the final stages of the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) review, and service is expected to commence as early as September.
According to the aviation industry on the 23rd, Parata Airlines plans to hold a ceremony for the introduction of its first aircraft at Gimpo Airport on the 27th. The management, including CEO Yoon Cheol-min, will attend the event to announce future business plans.
The aircraft being introduced by Parata Airlines this time is the Airbus A330-200, a twin-engine passenger plane with a wide body (more than two aisles). It can accommodate over 200 passengers and has a maximum operational range of 13,400 kilometers, allowing for medium- to long-haul international flights.
Parata Airlines is expected to create routes from Yangyang to Jeju and Gimpo to Jeju for the deployment of the aircraft. After the introduction of the first aircraft, it plans to gradually bring in the second, third, and fourth ones. Starting in October, it will launch routes to Japan, Vietnam, and more, with plans for trans-Pacific routes next year.
Parata Airlines is waiting for the results of its AOC reissuance approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The AOC is a government-issued operating permit that airlines must obtain before starting regular operations. It is a process that verifies the airline's overall operational capabilities, including organizational structure, operational and maintenance personnel, safety management systems, and training programs.
Currently, the overall organizational structure necessary for the airline is completed. Starting early this year, the company has been hiring a large number of new and experienced staff and has completed training for new cabin crew. It has been reported that some personnel have moved to the newly established Parata Airlines amid changes in the aviation industry, such as Korean Air's acquisition of Asiana Airlines and the integration work of LCCs under both airlines.
Parata Airlines is expected to operate domestic flights from Yangyang Airport and international flights from Incheon Airport. A company official noted, "We are currently undergoing the AOC reissuance process with the Ministry. The schedule for resuming service and routes has not yet been determined."
The predecessor of Parata Airlines is Fly Gangwon. Faced with management difficulties, Fly Gangwon surrendered all its air transport licenses and aircraft in 2023. After being acquired by WINIX last year, it changed its name to Parata Airlines.