[New York = E-Daily Seong Joowon Correspondent] As U.S.-based United Airlines (UA) has recently entered the Newark–Incheon direct route, Air Premia has carried approximately 30% more passengers than UA during the same period. Although United has begun operating flights to Korea from its hub airport, Air Premia—which entered the Newark market three years earlier—is performing well in this initial competition. With KoreanAirLines also pushing to enter the Newark market, competition on the New York–Incheon route is expected to intensify further.

According to the Aviation Information Portal System (AirPortal) on the 25th, Air Premia operated a total of 86 flights on the Incheon–Newark route from September 5 to October 11, transporting 22,707 passengers. During the same period, United Airlines operated 84 flights, carrying 17,676 passengers. The average number of passengers per flight was 264 for Air Premia and 210 for UA.

UA launched its new direct Newark–Incheon route on September 4. With the entry of a major U.S. airline using Newark as its hub, Air Premia now faces direct competition at the same airport.
Air Premia began operating the Incheon–Newark route four times a week in May 2023 and later expanded service to daily flights. Unlike KoreanAirLines and Asiana Airlines, which focus their operations on New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport, Air Premia differentiated itself by choosing Newark Airport in New Jersey. Air Premia cited the fact that customers living in New Jersey can reach the airport in an average of 30 to 40 minutes as a key advantage.
The airline is also pursuing differentiation in seating and service. It is targeting long-haul travelers by highlighting seats that are wider than standard economy class, as well as its “Wide Premium” class. By the end of this year, the airline plans to upgrade one of its two aircraft equipped with 31-inch seats to the 33-inch specification. To secure transfer demand from passengers traveling to other destinations via Incheon International Airport, Air Premia is also expanding its interline agreements—cooperation agreements for connecting flights between airlines.
Choi Hyun-cheol, manager of Air Premia’s New York branch, said, “While price may be the factor that initially attracts customers, I believe it is the quality of the travel experience relative to the price that keeps them coming back.” He explained that the airline is attracting even customers from far away, citing the example of a family that traveled from Virginia early in the morning to wait for an Air Premia flight at Newark Airport.

Air Premia’s market share on New York routes is on the rise. According to AirPortal’s data, Air Premia’s share of passengers on the New York routes (JFK and Newark) operated by the three Korean carriers rose from 13.2% between May and December 2023—its first year of service—to 13.6% in 2024, 15.8% last year, and 17.3% from January through August of this year. Cumulatively since May 2023, the market share stands at 51.1% for KoreanAirLines, 33.9% for Asiana Airlines, and 15.0% for Air Premia. Combined, KoreanAirLines and Asiana Airlines account for 85% of the market.
The competitive landscape of the New York-area air travel market may change in the future. This is because KoreanAirLines is considering launching service to Newark. With KoreanAirLines and Asiana Airlines already operating out of JFK and United Airlines (UA) having recently entered the Newark market, competition on direct flights from Incheon to the New York area could intensify further if KoreanAirLines also enters the Newark market. However, in response to inquiries, a KoreanAirLines spokesperson stated, “Launching service to Newark is still merely under consideration,” and did not provide details on specific plans.
From Air Premia’s perspective, the possibility of KoreanAirLines entering the Newark market is a cause for concern. As the competitive landscape among domestic carriers at JFK is being reshaped by the merger of KoreanAirLines(003490)and Asiana Airlines(020560), there are concerns that if the merged major carrier expands into Newark—Air Premia’s flagship route—the mid-sized carrier’s market position could be undermined. On the other hand, if the route is actually launched, it could increase flight options, thereby enhancing consumer benefits and intensifying fare competition.
Branch Manager Choi emphasized that, regarding KoreanAirLines’ push to enter the Newark market, it is crucial to maintain an environment where major and mid-sized airlines can compete fairly. He said, “Rather than simply focusing on the company’s growth, I want Air Premia to be recognized for bringing more competition and choice to the domestic aviation market.”