Jeju Air

Jeju Air (7C), South Korea's pioneering and largest low-cost carrier, has transformed regional air travel since its founding in 2005 as a joint venture between the Aekyung Group and Jeju Province government. Headquartered in Jeju City, it launched operations in 2006 with flights from Jeju International Airport (CJU) to Seoul's Gimpo (GMP), quickly expanding to hubs at Incheon International (ICN) and beyond.

Named after the idyllic volcanic island of Jeju, the airline popularized affordable mass air travel in Korea, growing to serve over 40 destinations across Asia. Its network spans domestic routes to Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju, plus international hotspots like Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok, Hanoi, Denpasar, and Singapore. As a founding member of the Value Alliance—the world's first pan-regional LCC partnership—Jeju Air emphasizes value, efficiency, and innovation, carrying millions of passengers annually while ranking #1 in Korea's LCC customer satisfaction index for years running.

Boasting a modern all-Boeing 737 fleet of 45 aircraft (average age 13.3 years), Jeju Air is aggressively modernizing with Boeing 737 MAX 8 deliveries to replace aging 737-800s, alongside two freighters for cargo ops. Certified as a 3-Star Low-Cost Airline by Skytrax, it offers no-frills service with paid meals, limited amenities, and tight seating typical of LCCs—earning mixed reviews (TripAdvisor 3/5 from ~1,000 ratings) praising affordability but critiquing comfort and support.

Despite a tragic December 2024 crash at Muan Airport—the deadliest in Korean history—claiming 179 lives, Jeju Air has pledged enhanced safety amid fleet renewal and financial resilience post-COVID. Backed by Aekyung, it remains Korea's most profitable LCC, blending island-hopping vibes with budget-friendly adventures across Asia.