8637

[In The News]

By Enrique Perrella / Published November 14, 2013

Jin Air (Jin Air Co. LTD) was launched in 2008, with its first domestic flight from Gimpo to the island of Jeju in South Korea. Since then, the airline has established over twelve international destinations among which Hong Kong, Sapporo, Bangkok, Cebu, Guam and Okinawa are the most popular.

http://airways.newswp-content/uploads/2013/11/JINAIR_ROUTEMAP-300x233.jpgFounded as the Low Cost subsidiary of Korean Air (KE), Jin Air focuses on regional travel within Eastern Asia. Korea’s small dimensions allow for quick turnaround times, therefore maximizing aircraft usage and much higher efficiency leveraging the low cost concept in its best possible scenario.

Extra: Flying the world’s most spacious A380 in Business Class – Korean Air

The airline has in its fleet ten Boeing 737-800 aircraft, all configured with 189 seats (same seating number as Ryanair). Our flight to Sapporo (CTS), scheduled to depart at 08.20, was assigned to an ex-KE Boeing 737-800.

The airline’s Butterfly logo represents a very curious concept that is based upon the belief that even the smallest change can unleash a massive chain of events. According to the airline’s website, the butterfly symbolizes travelers who have an irresistible desire to explore the world and gain new experiences – just like a butterfly that is set free and is always on the look out for exotic adventures. Jin Air’s mantra summarizes that “small acts can result in a big impact.”

Jin Air has become a premier short-haul carrier. According to their vision statement, they strive to offer the best experience and image, practically and comfortably.

“Flying better, Flying Jin Air.”

Thankfully we had a chance to find out if their lofty vision statement matched service in real life: Airchive.com was invited to test their unique service between Seoul-Incheon and the Japanese city of Sapporo.

Upon our early arrival at ICN, we went to section three of the check-in area at the international terminal and approached the airline’s counters. There, a very polite young man welcomed and escorted us to an available counter for our check-in. A lady, dressed with a yellow polo shirt, jeans and a rather cool hat, took our passport and welcomed us to Jin Air.

http://airways.newswp-content/uploads/2013/10/JinAir_03-300x225.jpgThe female agent, with a very nice smile, informed I was pre-booked at an emergency exit and asked whether I was happy with this selection. Obviously, I couldn’t be any happier, as I expected the aircraft to be quite full with very poor leg room.

Immediately I was handed my boarding pass with my seat selection, 42F. As I saw the row number I questioned whether it was a 737 or an A380 as I found quite difficult to fit 41 rows ahead of an emergency exit in Boeing’s narrow body jetliner.

The Jin Air agent advised I proceeded quickly to the gate as it was located in the satellite concourse and I had to walk approximately 30 minutes to reach it. I quickly went through security and passport control and made a quick stop at the very nice Starbucks Coffee shop at the main terminal, where I loaded my coffee tanks for the day’s Sapporo adventure.

http://airways.newswp-content/uploads/2013/10/JinAir_14.jpg

Following instructions, I rushed to the gate after riding a very nice underground train that took me from the main terminal to the “Concourse.”

As I reached the gate, I was the last passenger to board. When I came inside the aircraft, I realized it was practically empty with less than twenty passengers booked. Then I made my way down the aisle and also realized the first row is numbered 24: Now the emergency exit row number makes sense!

When I sat down, two cool-looking FAs, wearing the airline’s symbolic hat and an awesome pair of Converse shoes, welcomed me on board. All of them made sure I was well treated, and quite special. One of them even told me I was ‘handsome’! Wow.

At 08.20, the main door was closed and the airplane pushed back a few seconds later. Our 2000-delivered 737-800 turned on its engines and we taxied to ICN’s main runway, where we took off following a Thai A330 bound for Bangkok.

http://airways.newswp-content/uploads/2013/10/JinAir_18-300x225.jpghttp://airways.newswp-content/uploads/2013/10/JinAir_21-300x225.jpg

About twenty minutes into the flight, the “Low Cost” in-flight service began. I highlight “Low Cost” because I was offered a complete [very nice!] breakfast box with what seemed to be a sushi/rice snack, a cake, and some chocolate – all at NO cost. Drinks like orange juice and Coca Cola were also offered.

http://airways.newswp-content/uploads/2013/10/JinAir_37-300x225.jpg  http://airways.newswp-content/uploads/2013/10/JinAir_39-300x225.jpg http://airways.newswp-content/uploads/2013/10/JinAir_40-300x225.jpghttp://airways.newswp-content/uploads/2013/10/JinAir_38-300x225.jpg

After the service ended, one of the sporty-looking girls came back to me with a big surprise. I was offered the airline’s in-flight entertainment: a PlayStation PS Vita with free games. Usually, the system costs 5,000 Wong (about $5), for rental, but for me it was free of charge.

I had never read or seen such a thing on board an LCC, or any airline for that matter. The console was in perfect shape (as in new), and I managed to get through the Korean settings and played some FIFA 13 for the entire flight.

http://airways.newswp-content/uploads/2013/10/JinAir_33-300x225.jpg http://airways.newswp-content/uploads/2013/10/JinAir_34-300x225.jpg

As we made our way to northern Japan, the captain announced on the PA (in perfect English) our route of flight and total time of 2h10m at 34,000ft.

Soon later, the FA’s passed again through the aisle with the Duty Free cart. The “Sky Shop” magazine showed a large number of items available for purchase, but since they didn’t have any airline merchandise I didn’t sign up for their shopping experience.

http://airways.newswp-content/uploads/2013/10/JinAir_43.jpgSitting in the emergency exit with no passengers near me made me feel quite the star. The flight was uneventful and I was mostly entertained with the PS Vita until we began our descent into Sapporo.

The cloudy skies that surrounded northern Japan didn’t allow for some landscape photography. Three minutes before touch down, Japanese land showed up and we arrived into CTS airport with a grease-like landing that ended the best low-cost experience I have ever had.

Conclusions

When I was told I had a booking on a Korean LCC, I couldn’t help but imagine reviving the horrors of Ryanair, but transported to Asia. Regardless of the excitement I felt for flying a new airline and to a new airport, I must admit I feared the presence of the horrible O’Leary concept in the Korean region.

http://airways.newswp-content/uploads/2013/10/JinAir_50.jpgThis terror vanished as soon as I reached the check-in counters at Incheon. The smiling check-in agents, impeccable counters and uniforms, easy free-of-charge process, and the hassle free boarding made this so much easier than flying ANY airline in the US, or the world for that matter.

Even though flying an empty plane is always beyond comfortable, I fear the low load factors will harm this airline in the future, as the concept they try to work on is extremely friendly and efficient. Then again, Sapporo is more of a holiday destination in the Summer and Winter due to its cool climate, and we were flying off the peak season.

Jin Air is one excellent carrier that could teach a lesson – or two – to several airlines I can think of back in our Western side of the world. I truly hope they succeed with their business and help change that twisted and unfriendly ultra low cost concept that has invaded the world. Indeed their level of service is better then many so called legacy carriers.

I must say I would definitely fly Jin Air again should the opportunity arise. I would recommend them with my eyes closed and trust my business to their impeccable and friendly service.

 

View the full article