Jeju Air said on the 26th that it is accelerating modernization by introducing two next-generation aircraft. With this, Jeju Air now has a total of 12 next-generation aircraft, the most among domestic low-cost carriers (LCCs).
Jeju Air introduced its 11th and 12th B737-8 on the 14th and on the 23rd. With this introduction, the share of next-generation aircraft rose to 27.3% of its 44 passenger planes.
The purchased aircraft total 16: four B737-800NG and 12 B737-8. This is 36.4% of all passenger planes. The average age of the passenger fleet is 11.3 years.
The new aircraft are fuel efficient. The parts replacement cycle is longer, and MRO expense can be reduced. Unlike leased aircraft, purchased aircraft do not incur restoration maintenance expense for return and can be operated in various ways, including sale and lease, Jeju Air noted.
Jeju Air began purchasing and introducing the B737-8 in 2023: two in 2023, six in 2025, and four this year. It returned two aging leased aircraft in Nov. last year and in Feb. this year. It also sold two purchased aircraft in Mar. and Apr. It plans to sell three B737-800NG models, introduced by purchase in 2018, to overseas airlines.
A Jeju Air official said, "We plan to continue to push for improvements to core flight infrastructure through the introduction of new aircraft and fleet optimization."