Asiana Airlines Announces Melbourne Flights

Asiana Airlines has, for not the first time, announced plans to begin serving Melbourne Airport.

A move from the carrier follows a trial period initiated in late 2019 and early 2020.

Melbourne Flights Coming This December

From 26 December 2023, Asiana Airlines will offer two weekly flights operated by the Airbus A350.

Seoul Incheon to Melbourne will be the subject of the connection operating as OZ6033 to Melbourne and OZ6043 as the return flight number to Incheon.

While services will launch on 26 December 2023, the airline will conclude this short period of operating the service on 29 February 2024.

As a result, this brief stint in Melbourne is very similar to how it operated before the emergence of the global pandemic.

Asiana says the flight will depart Incheon at 0800 and arrive in Melbourne in 2030. Following an hour and a half on the ground, it’ll depart at 2200 from Melbourne before arriving in Incheon at 0640 the following morning.

Sydney has long had far better connections to Seoul than that of Melbourne. Therefore, the return of Asiana Airlines, even on a short-term basis, is a positive move.

A Second Time Around For Asiana

Asiana Airlines announced that it would launch service towards Melbourne from Seoul Incheon towards the backend of 2019.

A move from the airline came following surging demand that saw a lack of offerings towards Seoul from the state.

The launch came on a trial basis, with the airline operating one flight per week to gauge the performance and demand. Depending on the overall performance, Asiana would’ve had a view to continue this.

If this season is successful, there is the potential for Asiana to establish ongoing flights, opening up new connections with a key market for tourists, investors and international students.

Victoria Government Statement on Asiana Airlines launch in 2019

While the airline could offer the weekly service for a brief stint, any plans of having Asiana Airlines return permanently were put on hold following the emergence of the global pandemic.

Now, with recovery in full swing and Asian carriers looking to expand, the airline believes it can relaunch to Melbourne on a short-term basis.

The Asiana Airlines Fleet

Per Cirium data, Asiana Airlines flies 79 aircraft currently as part of its operations.

When measured by active units, its most significant type is tied between the A330-300 and A350-900, with 15 of each.

The company flies 13 A321-200s with the next-generation A321neo also featuring as part of a move towards next-generation planes.

Its freighter operation is a standout performer. However, questions persist about the future of this division as the airline looks to tie up a deal with Korean Air. Asiana Cargo sees ten 747-400Fs in current active service.