Jin Air marks S. Korean budget airlines' venture in delivering cargo to US

Budget airline Jin Air begun flying cargo to the US as part of efforts to survive the effects of the pandemic, becoming the first low-cost South Korean carrier to do so.

On Sunday, Jin Air flew its converted B777-200ER passenger jet from Incheon to Los Angeles, carrying 23 tons of displays and other electronic components.

Jin Air, the sister airline of Korean Air, plans to deliver more high-value cargo to the US and Europe with its B777-200ER planes, which is capable of flying over 10,000 kilometers.

Last month, Jin Air began flying a B777-200ER jet from Incheon to Bangkok twice a week and receiving the green light from transport authorities.

Jin Air is among the latest airlines to shift to cargo delivery as the pandemic reduced demand for air travel, prompting them to seek new businesses.

Major South Korean airlines were the first to resort to cargo services.
Earlier this year, Korean Air shifted its business from passenger to cargo operations and later converted jets to cargo planes to increase capacity.

Consequently, Korean Air was able to post an operating profit of 148.5 billion won in the second quarter, making it one of the few airlines in the world to register an operating surplus.