Jeju Air said on the 8th that its operating profit on a separate basis was 66.4 billion won in the first quarter of this year, turning to the black compared with an operating loss of 35.7 billion won in the same period last year.
Revenue for the same period rose 36.5% to 489.2 billion won, and net income also swung to a profit, from a 24 billion won loss to a 12.2 billion won gain.
Jeju Air said the improvement in results was influenced by a revenue structure improved through fleet modernization by expanding the introduction of next-generation aircraft and by increased passenger demand.
Jeju Air achieved cost savings, such as reducing fuel expenditure last year by 16% from a year earlier through fleet modernization. Along with returning aging aircraft, Jeju Air plans to introduce five additional next-generation B737-8s by the end of this year.
An increase in passengers and a high load factor also contributed to improved profitability. In the first quarter of 2026, the number of passengers was 3,311,358, up 24.2% from the first quarter of 2025, ranking No. 1 among domestic low-cost carriers (LCCs).
Jeju Air plans to maintain the improving results through efficient route operations. From Mar. 29, when the summer schedule began, it has been operating four additional round trips a day on the Gimpo-Jeju route.
It is also strengthening competitiveness on Japan routes by temporarily adding flights and increasing available seats on those routes. In addition, to respond to an uncertain business environment, including greater volatility in oil prices and exchange rates and intensifying competition, it plans to continue a strategy centered on solid, efficiency-focused management.
A Jeju Air official said, "To respond to a business environment with high market volatility, we are strengthening solid, efficiency-focused management," adding, "Based on fleet modernization and efficient route operations, we will build a sustainable revenue structure."