Cheongju, South Korea – May 21, 2025 – Aero K Airlines (CEO Kang Byung-ho), based at Cheongju International Airport, has launched a new regular service to Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan, as of May 21, 2025, significantly expanding international travel options for passengers using Cheongju International Airport.

According to Aero K Airlines, the Cheongju-Obihiro route will operate three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays). The outbound flight (RF354) departs Cheongju International Airport at 2:00 PM and arrives in Obihiro at 4:30 PM local time. The return flight (RF353) departs Obihiro Airport at 6:00 PM local time and arrives at Cheongju International Airport at 9:00 PM.

Aero K Airlines successfully operated the Cheongju-Obihiro route as a charter service on two previous occasions. The first operation took place on October 3 and 6, 2024, and the second from January 25 to February 11, 2025. Both charter operations demonstrated stable service and high load factors. Consequently, Aero K Airlines decided to convert this route to a regular service, establishing a sustainable demand and route competitiveness for scheduled operations.

Obihiro is a city located in the eastern part of Hokkaido, Japan, and is one of the representative regions of Hokkaido along with Sapporo. This area, embracing vast plains, is the center of Japan's dairy farming industry and is famous for its fresh dairy products. Obihiro is also full of culinary attractions, notably its unique Tokachi Nabe (Hokkaido-style hot pot) and Japanese BBQ Butadon (pork rice bowl).

Furthermore, it is well-known among Japanese horse racing fans as the home of Banei Keiba. This is the world's only horse racing where horses pull sleds loaded with weights, a unique cultural content that can only be witnessed in Obihiro. In addition, natural hot springs, including Tokachigawa Onsen, make it a popular destination for healing tourism.

Beyond that, Obihiro has a reputation as a producer of premium natto (fermented soybeans) and is loved by many as a city where one can experience a quiet Japanese ambiance with snow flower scenery in winter.

Aero K Airlines operates the Sapporo route twice a day (morning and afternoon) from Cheongju International Airport. With the conversion of the Obihiro route to regular service, the airline now offers a more comprehensive flight schedule for exploring Hokkaido. Sapporo and Obihiro are approximately 3 hours apart by train or car, making a Hokkaido circuit tour connecting the two cities possible. Aero K Airlines' Sapporo and Obihiro routes are expected to enhance customer satisfaction by allowing travelers to enjoy both urban attractions and nature/healing tourism.

Meanwhile, to commemorate the launch of the regular Obihiro route, Aero K Airlines is also holding a special one-day discount promotion on May 21, offering up to 97% off on 13 international routes.

An Aero K Airlines official stated, "The conversion of the Obihiro route to a regular service is thanks to the interest and support of many customers who have used our air transport services." They added, "We are conducting a commemorative promotion as a token of our gratitude, so please make use of it. We will continue to prioritize the safe operation and enjoyable journey of our customers and provide even more convenient air travel in the future."

For more information about Aero K Airlines, please visit their website (www.aerok.com) or contact their customer service center (help@aerok.com or 1899-2299).

[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]