Seom Air Co., Ltd. selects Sacheon Airport as the inaugural base for its first new aircraft and will launch a new Sacheon–Gimpo service on the 30th — improving access to the Seoul metropolitan area and making travel more convenient for local residents. The move is expected to boost industry and tourism in western South Gyeongsang.
Regional Air Mobility (RAM) carrier Seom Air Co., Ltd. received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (Seoul Regional Aviation Office) on the 10th and plans to begin the new Sacheon–Gimpo service on the 30th.
An Air Operator Certificate (AOC) is a national certification issued after a comprehensive government review to verify an airline’s safety-management capabilities. The evaluation covers operational safety systems, maintenance, flight operations and training programs, qualified personnel, and necessary facilities and equipment. An AOC is required to operate scheduled routes.
With the AOC secured, the government has formally recognized that Seom Air meets the core requirements for safe operations. The airline demonstrated a safety-focused operating model through new aircraft acquisitions and the recruitment of flight and maintenance crews trained for the specific aircraft types.
The Sacheon–Gimpo route connects the Seoul metropolitan area with western South Gyeongsang. Officials expect the service to make travel easier for residents and to support business travel, industrial activity and growing tourism demand, all of which should help stimulate the regional economy.
As a RAM carrier linking hub airports with regional airfields, Seom Air intends to concentrate on short, lower-demand routes to improve regional air access and strengthen connections between local airports.
Gyeongnam Province said it will use the new service to increase usage of Sacheon Airport and improve overall air access, and it will work with relevant agencies to ensure stable route operations.
After launching the Sacheon–Gimpo service, Seom Air plans to expand its network to include Gimpo–Ulsan, Sacheon–Jeju, Ulsan–Jeju and Gimpo–Tsushima, with gradual additions to island airports such as Ulleungdo, Heuksando and Baengnyeongdo.
Park Seong-jun, director of the provincial Transportation and Construction Bureau, said, “Seom Air’s AOC and the new route represent a meaningful first step in expanding the regional air network. We will continue to support efforts to improve travel convenience for residents and to strengthen the competitiveness of local industries.”
Gyeongnam — Reporter Jeong Do-jeong, sos6831@viva100.com
