T’Way is, for those less accustomed with Korean civil aviation, a Seoul based low-cost airline. The carrier has developed into a competitive travel option for both long and short haul flights. The airline at first specialised in shorter flights within east and southeast Asia and recently has branched out with long-range services to Europe. These must be working well for the carrier as has just announced its plans to expand its long-range capable aircraft. Here’s how and when.
Avalon to Lease 5 A330neo to Korean Low-Cost Carrier T’Way
It’s no secret that waiting lists for aircraft in recent years have become painfully long. So long that it is almost impossible for newcomers to get their hands on the planes they need rapidly. Therefore, the only viable alternative for many carriers is to fuel their growth plans is to get the planes leased.
That is exactly what Korean, Seoul-based, airline T’Way Air is looking to do with the support of Avalon. The aircraft leasing firm will supply 5 new generation Airbus A330neo to the carrier within the next 2 years. These planes are crucial for the airline to continue growing its long-range operations which are nearing capacity with the current fleet of A330-200s and A330-300s.
The press release by Avalon doesn’t specify which variant of the A330neo it will be supplying to the airline. However, one detail might give it away. The leasing firm states that the aircraft have a range of 13,300km which exactly matches that of the A330-900neo. So, most probably that will be the aircraft T’Way will receive.
I expect the interiors to be a little more modern than those seen on the A330ceo planes the airline has but no real change in overall configuration. I still expect a small business class and most of the plane featuring economy class seats.
A Growing Long-Haul Network
T’Way has been constantly growing its long-haul network, mainly towards Europe. The strategy is quite clear, serving destinations that Koreans want to travel to on holidays and to a smaller extent for business. Sydney, on the other hand, is a mixed destination as there are also many Korean expats living across Australia and its most populous city.
It’ll be fascinating to see where the airline will fly next with the arrival of these 5 new generation Airbus A330neo planes. To stay updated on the latest aviation news, make sure to sign up for my newsletter.