CHEONGJU, South Korea – Aero K Airlines (CEO Kang Byung-ho) officially inaugurated its new regular flight route from Cheongju International Airport (CJJ) to Qingdao, Shandong Province, China, today. This marks a significant milestone as it's the first regular international service from Cheongju since the airport's opening. The move solidifies Aero K's position as a hub airline and is expected to significantly contribute to the development of the regional aviation industry.
The relationship between Chungcheongbuk-do Province and Shandong Province dates back to 2002 with continuous friendship agreements and exchanges. The establishment of this new air route is anticipated to further invigorate economic and cultural ties between the two regions.
A grand inaugural ceremony was held at Cheongju International Airport for the Cheongju-Qingdao route. Key dignitaries in attendance included Kang Byung-ho, CEO of Aero K Airlines; Kim Young-hwan, Governor of Chungcheongbuk-do Province; Lee Beom-seok, Mayor of Cheongju City; and Sung Seung-myeon, Director of Cheongju International Airport. Their presence underscored the high expectations for the route and the commitment to regional aviation development.
Aero K will operate the Cheongju-Qingdao route daily, exclusively. On weekdays and Saturdays, flight RF885 departs Cheongju International Airport at 8:05 AM and 8:10 AM, arriving at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO) at 9:00 AM local time. The return flight, RF886, departs Qingdao at 10:00 AM local time, arriving back in Cheongju at 12:35 PM. On Sundays, flight RF889 departs Cheongju at 8:30 PM, arriving in Qingdao at 9:15 PM local time, with the return flight RF890 departing Qingdao at 11:00 PM local time, arriving in Cheongju at 1:30 AM the following day.
With a flight duration of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, comparable to domestic flights between Cheongju and Jeju, the route offers exceptional convenience. Furthermore, the recent allowance of visa-free entry for South Koreans to China makes Qingdao an even more accessible and attractive international travel destination.
To commemorate the launch, Aero K is running a special promotion from 11:00 AM on May 26 until midnight on June 8. Travelers can receive up to a 15% discount on airfare by using the promo code 'AEROKTAO' when booking on the official website. Additionally, coupons offering up to a 5% discount on accommodation and tour bookings are also available. These offers are subject to limited availability, so early booking is highly recommended.
Qingdao, often referred to as "Little Europe," boasts a unique blend of European-style architecture, creating an exotic atmosphere. The old town, in particular, showcases well-preserved German architectural styles, offering a distinct urban landscape and pleasant walking paths. As the birthplace of the globally renowned Tsingtao Beer, the Tsingtao Beer Museum is a popular attraction, providing an immersive experience into the history and brewing process of beer. The annual International Beer Festival further draws tourists from around the world.
The city's coastal areas are renowned for their culinary delights, with numerous lamb skewer streets and seafood restaurants, making Qingdao a prime destination for food enthusiasts. The breathtaking evening coastal views add to the city's allure, attracting countless visitors.
Qingdao's rich tapestry of culture, nature, gastronomy, and stunning nightscapes positions it as a comprehensive tourist destination. With the new Cheongju-Qingdao route, increased accessibility is expected to boost its popularity among both Korean and Chinese travelers.
"I used to have to go to Incheon Airport to travel to Qingdao, but now I can fly directly from Cheongju Airport, which is incredibly convenient," stated Mr. Lee, a passenger on the inaugural flight. He also remarked, "It's been a while since I used Cheongju International Airport, and I was impressed by the noticeable increase in international routes. I plan to use Cheongju Airport frequently for my future travels."
An Aero K official expressed, "We have dedicated significant effort to the launch of the Qingdao route, and it is truly meaningful to see it come to fruition today." They added, "As the first regular international route since Cheongju International Airport's opening, we are committed to ensuring safe and stable operations for a strong start."
Looking ahead, Aero K plans to expand its network of flights to China, with routes currently being prepared for Macau, as well as several Japanese cities including Hiroshima, Kitakyushu, Kagoshima, and Okinawa. Flights to Hualien, Taiwan, and Cebu, Philippines, are also in development. The airline further announced plans to introduce two additional aircraft in the fourth quarter.
For more information about Aero K Airlines, please visit their official website (www.aerok.com) or contact their customer service center at help@aerok.com or 1899-2299.
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