Glasgow Airport (GLA) has secured Scotland’s first ever direct service to South Korea.
Flag carrier Korean Air and tour operator Hanjin Travel confirmed they will operate three services during August 2016 between Seoul and Glasgow, with a view to introducing further flights in 2017.
Operated by Korean Air using an Airbus A330 aircraft, the first flight from Seoul will arrive in Glasgow on 5 August with the second and third flights arriving on 12 and 19 August respectively.
The new flights continue a trend for Glasgow and other UK regional airports (i.e. outside London) to attract direct longhaul services, a trend that can only continue as those flights are the preferred option for passengers outside of London.
Many passengers prefer to connect in Europe or the Middle East for longhaul rather than London.
Emirates already operates a popular daily 777 direct to Dubai.
Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport:
“To have secured what is Scotland’s first direct service to South Korea is a major milestone for Glasgow Airport and it is of huge significance to our tourism industry. The decision by Korean Air and its sister company Hanjin Travel to introduce this route reinforces Scotland’s global appeal as a tourist destination and it highlights the growth in demand we are experiencing from Asian tourists.”
Mr Oh Sang Kwon, President Hanjin Travel:
“As one of South Korea’s leading travel companies we are very proud to be introducing the wonderful city of Glasgow and indeed the whole of Scotland to our passengers. I am sure the city’s excellent shopping and wonderful architecture alongside the world renowned scenery of Scotland will prove very popular with South Korean travellers. We look forward to a traditional Scottish welcome when we arrive in Glasgow Airport this August.
Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland:
“New long haul connections via the Middle East and major European hubs are making it increasingly easy for visitors from emerging markets to connect to Scotland.”
Allan McQuade, Business Infrastructure Director, Scottish Enterprise:
“This new direct service is excellent news for Scotland. Direct services make Scotland a more attractive destination for both tourists and businesses by removing the need for extra connecting flights. This not only helps the economy by boosting tourism, but also encourages overseas trade and investment.”
N.B. Image credit: wikipedia.org
