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Photo: T’way Air |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] T’way Air has confirmed it did not apply for the Seattle route, a highly lucrative international corridor. Industry observers had expected T’way, whose largest shareholder Sono International operates three hotels in the U.S., to leverage potential synergies by entering the U.S. market.
The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) opened six international routes, including Incheon–Seattle, for allocation following the merger approval of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines last year. After eligibility and evaluation processes, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will finalize route assignments.
Alaska Airlines is currently the only airline to apply for the Seattle route. Domestic low-cost carriers, including T’way Air, did not participate. Existing operators on this route include Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Airlines, with Alaska seeking additional slots to expand its services.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
