Small Korean airline seeks to lure passengers from major carriers

Asiana Airlines, a small carrier based in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is trying to lure those passengers away from the major American carriers who use these companies to fly to Beijing, or other destinations in China, from the

Los Angeles International Airport LAX). There is fierce rivalry and competition among carriers trying to capitalize on the tens of thousands of North Americans who will likely want to fly to Beijing for the 2008 Olympic Games from

Los Angeles, as a number of direct flights are offered from this city. Additionally, tourism experts have noticed a significant increase in the number of American and Western tourists or businesspeople in general who travel to

China.

Asiana’s plan is to convince travelers to take its direct flight from LAX to the

Incheon Airport in Seoul, from where they can choose from a range of connecting flights to

Beijing. Business-class passengers flying on Asiana, will be able to enjoy a brand new lounge area at LAX, measuring 15,000 square feet, which offers visitors shower facilities, several bars, comfortable armchairs, as well as an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Those who decide to fly with Asiana can choose one of four daily direct routes to

Seoul from LAX. The carrier does, however, plan to introduce several new daily flights in the lead up to the 2008 Summer Olympics. Founded in 1988, Asiana is a relatively small airline, and its major rival is Korean Air, the country’s flag carrier. Asiana currently operates a fleet of 63 planes and flies to 63 airports located in 17 different countries.

www.flyasiana.com