이스타항공, 2025년 국내 항공사 탑승률 1위 기록! 비결은 무엇인가?

Eastar Jet claimed the top spot among South Korea's carriers last year for passenger load factor, meaning it filled a higher share of available seats than any domestic airline.

On the 12th, Eastar Jet reported it operated 33,600 flights last year, offering 6,329,790 seats and carrying 5,705,493 passengers — an annual load factor of 90.14%.

That figure tops the domestic airline average of 84.86% reported by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's aviation portal, making it the highest rate among the country's carriers.

Eastar Jet credits the strong performance to wallet-friendly fares, flexible route management, and cabin upgrades driven by newer aircraft. The airline also points to improved airport and onboard amenities and member partnership perks as factors that helped boost passenger numbers.

Eastar currently operates 10 of its 20 aircraft as new Boeing B737-8s as part of a fleet modernization effort. The company says the new jets feature fresh leather seats for a more comfortable cabin and cut engine noise by more than 50% compared with older models, creating a quieter, more pleasant flight.

The airline has also focused on improving airport services. In Incheon International Airport Corporation's service monitoring survey on immigration and processing times last year, Eastar posted the shortest average check-in processing time among national carriers — 10 minutes and 8 seconds, including wait times.

It also offers real-time gate updates through its website and mobile app, plus discounts on airport limousine services and partner lounge access to make travel smoother for passengers.

Eastar was named the top low-cost carrier in South Korea at the 2025 World Airline Awards hosted by British aviation consultancy Skytrax.

A company representative thanked customers for choosing Eastar Jet last year and said the airline will continue to improve service quality under its Easy Flight slogan to deliver an easier, more convenient travel experience.