Asiana Airlines Announces Melbourne Flights

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

The move 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.

The connection will run between Seoul Incheon and Melbourne, with OZ6033 to Melbourne and OZ6043 as the return flight to Incheon.

While services will launch on 26 December 2023, the airline will end this short service on 29 February 2024.

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

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

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

A Second Time Around For Asiana

Asiana Airlines announced it would launch service from Seoul Incheon to Melbourne toward the back end of 2019.

The move followed surging demand and a lack of offerings from Seoul to 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 overall performance, Asiana would consider continuing it.

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, plans for Asiana Airlines to return permanently were put on hold after the global pandemic emerged.

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 currently operates 79 aircraft.

By active units, its largest types are tied between the A330-300 and A350-900, with 15 of each.

The company flies 13 A321-200s, and the next-generation A321neo is also part of its move toward newer aircraft.

Its freighter operation stands out. However, questions remain about the division’s future as the airline looks to tie up a deal with Korean Air. Asiana Cargo sees ten 747-400Fs in current active service.