New Korean airline hoping Chinese cash can help it soar after agreeing US$1.4 billion Dreamliner deal with Boeing
- Start-up Air Premia seeking investors as it steels limelight at Airfinance Journal Asia-Pacific conference
- New carrier is targeting low-cost travellers and promises extra legroom in economy as part of sales pitch
New Korean airline Air Premia wants Chinese investors to help it take off as the company arrived in Hong Kong to raise funds and buy five new Boeing Dreamliner aircraft in a billion-dollar deal.
The Seoul-based company is one of several new airlines in Asia poised to launch in the coming 12 months as competition in the region heats up.
In an interview at the Airfinance Journal Asia-Pacific conference, the company said it was banking on giving passengers an extra couple of inches of room to make flying more comfortable, win over travellers with cheaper fares, and become a credible threat to the established order of Asian airlines.
Peter Sim, the start-up carrier’s CEO, described it as a hybrid, combining the best of traditional and low cost airlines.
The company stole the limelight at the conference on Wednesday, as it agreed a deal with Boeing, committing to buy five 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to support its bold long-haul plans in a deal valued at US$1.4 billion (HK$10.9 billion).
