Jin Air, the low-cost carrier of Korean Air, signed an interline agreement on April 5 with Jetstar Group, one of Asia-Pacific’s largest low-cost carriers (it comprises Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Jetstar Japan and Jetstar Pacific).
Both Jin Air and Jetstar Group will begin preparation work immediately, with the interline service expected to launch in the third quarter of this year. (Interlining allows passengers to transfer airside between flights and have their baggage through-checked – a service which is offered by conventional carriers but, until now, one which few LCCs provide.)
The interline agreement will allow Jin Air to combine desired routes operated by Jetstar Group with its existing network and develop seamless travel packages for its customers, with greater connection options available on more than 150 routes served by Jetstar Group’s branded airlines.
"This agreement with Jetstar Group is the first interline agreement for Jin Air. By acknowledging Jin Air's potential and growth, Jetstar Group will be able to bring in more Korean customers to its airlines, while simultaneously we can also benefit from the expanded network through connecting with Jetstar Group’s extensive routes,” said a Jin Air representative.
Following this collaboration, Jin Air says it will continue to explore further interline cooperation with other airlines and work on increasing connecting routes with Jetstar Group.
This comes at a time when LCC Ryanair in Europe has revealed it will begin interlining trials this summer at London Stansted and Barcelona (see here).
Jeremy Tredinnick
