Asiana Airlines, a full-service South Korean carrier, has launched a new non-stop link between Melbourne and Seoul. The seasonal service, which commenced on December 26, 2023, offers twice-weekly flights on its modern Airbus A350 aircraft.
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The flights are scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday, with OZ6043 departing Melbourne at 10pm and arriving in Seoul-Incheon at 6:40am the next morning. The return flight, OZ6033, departs from Seoul at 8am and lands in Melbourne at 8:30pm the same day. Asiana's Airbus A350 is fitted with a 1-2-1 'Business Smartium' class, providing 22 passengers the option to recline in lie-flat comfort during the 10-hour 30-minute flight. The aircraft also features a 3-3-3 seating arrangement in economy.
Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation, Jim Parashos, expressed his excitement at welcoming Asiana to Melbourne and adding Seoul to their growing network. He highlighted that these direct services will allow Victoria travelers and exporters to avoid the cost and inconvenience of transiting through another city to reach South Korea.
Asiana Airlines' new service gives it a key point of difference from rivals, such as Qantas and T’Way Air, as almost all other departures from Australia take wing from Sydney. A notable exception is Korean Air, which launched direct flights to Brisbane earlier. This new connection is expected to be popular, and there is hope that it will pave the way for regular, year-round flights in the future. As the aviation industry continues to navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic era, such collaborations are crucial in fostering resilience and driving growth.