[비즈한국] Small-scale airline Cherry Air (formerly Hi Air) is preparing to resume operations after concluding its rehabilitation process. Amidst these preparations, it has been confirmed that Cherry Air withdrew from its offices at Yangyang International Airport and Muan International Airport late last year. Airlines typically maintain offices at the airports they serve. As Cherry Air has vacated these two offices, it appears likely that, even upon resuming flights, it will focus on operations from Gimpo, Jeju, and Ulsan rather than Yangyang and Muan. The aviation industry is watching closely to see if Cherry Air can succeed in resuming operations with a focus on major domestic airports.
Cherry Air previously operated routes such as Gimpo-Yangyang, Muan-Ulsan, and Muan-Kitakyushu. However, the Gimpo-Yangyang route was non-scheduled, and even that was suspended shortly after it began. It is reported that other airlines show little interest in Yangyang International Airport due to low demand. Currently, the only regular route operating at Yangyang International Airport is Parata Airlines’ (formerly Fly Gangwon) Yangyang-Jeju route. However, with Parata Airlines obtaining traffic rights for the Yangyang-Shanghai route on April 6, the number of routes is expected to increase soon.
Regarding the Muan-Kitakyushu route, Cherry Air faced difficulties in operating international flights due to its status as a small-scale airline. Under current law, international passenger seating capacity for small-scale airlines is limited to 50 seats. Consequently, it was difficult to expect significant profits even if international flights were operated.
In response, the small-scale aviation industry demanded revisions to relevant laws, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport increased the domestic seating capacity limit for small-scale airlines to 80 in 2024. However, the 50-seat limit remains for international flights. In reality, it is not easy for small-scale airlines to operate international routes. A Cherry Air official explained, "Because the conditions for operating international flights are not met, the need for an office at Muan International Airport has disappeared."
For this reason, even if Cherry Air resumes operations, there is no significant need for offices at Yangyang or Muan International Airports. Cherry Air currently maintains offices at Gimpo International Airport, Jeju International Airport, and Sacheon Airport, with its headquarters located inside Ulsan Airport. Therefore, upon resuming operations, it is expected to focus on regions including Ulsan, Gimpo, Jeju, and Sacheon.
Cherry Air concluded its rehabilitation process in December last year and changed its name from Hi Air to Cherry Air in March this year. It is currently in the process of restoring its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).