Global Economic Times

Aero K Airlines Launches New Cheongju-Kitakyushu Route: First Regular Service Since Cheongju International Airport Opened: KO YONG-CHUL Reporter / Updated : 2025-06-29 07:27:31

Aero K Airlines (CEO Kang Byung-ho), based at Cheongju International Airport, is set to expand its Japan routes with the launch of a new regular service to Kitakyushu in Japan's Kyushu region, starting September 30, 2025. This new route marks a significant milestone in diversifying the regional airport network, as it's the first regular Kitakyushu service since Cheongju International Airport's opening.

Throughout 2025, Aero K Airlines has been aggressively expanding its Japan routes, including Nagoya, Ibaraki, Obihiro, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and now Kitakyushu.

Notably, the airline is on the verge of reaching 3 million cumulative passengers on July 6, which coincides with the 2nd anniversary of its first international route, Cheongju-Osaka. This steady performance demonstrates Aero K Airlines' stable operational capabilities and growth, significantly enhancing its competitiveness within the aviation industry.

The new Aero K Airlines Cheongju-Kitakyushu route will operate three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday). The outbound flight (RF371) will depart Cheongju International Airport at 1:30 PM and arrive at Kitakyushu Airport at 2:35 PM local time. The return flight (RF372) will depart Kitakyushu Airport at 3:30 PM local time and arrive at Cheongju International Airport at 4:45 PM. While the service will initially start with three weekly flights, the airline plans to consider increasing it to daily (seven times a week) depending on future booking trends.

Currently, Aero K Airlines operates a daily regular service on the Cheongju-Fukuoka route. With the opening of the Kitakyushu route, travelers will have more options, making it possible to plan free travel combining both cities.

Kitakyushu, located about a 15-minute Shinkansen ride from Fukuoka, is a vital transportation hub connecting Honshu and Kyushu. It boasts a rich tourism infrastructure and historical charm, including the Yahata area, where Japan's first ironworks was established, the UNESCO World Heritage site "Yahata Steel Works," and the Western-style port city "Mojiko Retro."

Major tourist attractions include Kokura Castle and Tanga Market. Local specialty foods like Yakiudon, Fugu (pufferfish) dishes, and Kawarasoba are also popular among many travelers.

This new route is expected to capture new demand in the northern Kyushu region and lay the groundwork for strengthening competitiveness on routes to western Japan in the future. With new travel itineraries now available, Aero K Airlines plans to actively target combined tourism demand by linking the cities.

Furthermore, Aero K Airlines held a route briefing on June 25 with Kitakyushu City Hall and related organizations within Kitakyushu Airport, conducting practical discussions for smooth operations. Flight plans were shared with aviation authorities, immigration, customs, and quarantine departments, establishing a trust-based cooperation system.

Meanwhile, Aero K Airlines plans to introduce two additional aircraft in the fourth quarter of this year, bringing its total fleet to nine. With the additional aircraft, the airline is reportedly reviewing various routes, including Cebu (Philippines), Okinawa (Japan), Nha Trang (Vietnam), and Macau (China).

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