Korean Air Lines(003490) is pushing to resume service to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey for the first time in 25 years. Even if the route launches, the existing nonstop service to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York will be maintained.
According to the aviation industry on the 14th, Korean Air Lines applied to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in June for approval of the Incheon–Newark route. Korean Air Lines previously suspended the Newark route in September 2001 in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
Newark Airport, along with JFK and LaGuardia Airport (LGA), is one of the representative airports serving the New York area. It offers strong accessibility to Korean enclaves in New Jersey. Korean Air Lines currently operates only the Incheon–JFK route as a nonstop service.
Korean Air Lines said the specific launch timing and frequency have not been decided. A Korean Air Lines official said, "We are reviewing service to (Newark) and are coordinating various matters such as flight times and use of local airport facilities."
If Korean Air Lines expands its nonstop service in the New York area, competition is expected to intensify. Air Premia is operating nonstop flights to Newark, and United Airlines is reportedly preparing to launch service.
With the registration of the merger with Asiana Airlines(020560) set for Dec. 17, Korean Air Lines is drawing attention over whether it will build up Newark as a new hub as it restructures its North American route network after integration.