T’Way brings LCC services to Vancouver from Seoul

The money-saving benefits of low-cost flying are now available on long-haul flights to Asia from Vancouver, with the recent start-up of services by T’Way Air from Seoul, South Korea. It is the only airline that currently employs a low-cost carrier (LCC) business model on flights from Vancouver to Asia.

T’Way Air flights started on July 12 and these operate four days per week, with year-round services between Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul and YVR. From this hub in Korea, travellers can connect to destinations across East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia and more.

“We’re focused on providing an affordable and efficient way for passengers to travel between Canada and the broader Asia-Pacific region,” said a T’Way statement. The airline chose Vancouver as its first entry to the North American market due to its market potential. “There’s a strong demand on the ICN-YVR route, and Vancouver has a well-established Korean community,” says the airline.

According to figures by Incheon airport, more than 450,000 passengers fly between ICN and YVR each year – and about 40% of them continue on to other destinations in Asia. That level of traffic confirmed that this route could serve not just point-to-point demand, but also broader regional connections, says the airline statement.

Vancouver is the next step in an expanding T’Way Air network, which launched its first long haul route to Sydney in 2022, followed by Zagreb, Rome, Paris, Barcelona and Frankfurt.

“Vancouver is our next major milestone, and more importantly, it’s our first footprint in North America,” says the airline. “We’re excited about this new route, and we’re committed to delivering affordable long-haul services with essential comfort between Korea and Canada.” T’Way Air staff and executives recently met with Vancouver travel retailers and tour operators at a celebratory lunch, hosted by Sang Yoon Lee, the CEO of the airline.

On the YVR-ICN route, operated by A330-300 aircraft, two cabin classes are offered: Business Saver and Economy. Business Saver has angled-flat seats that can recline up to 160 degrees, and have spacious legroom, adjustable headrests, reading lights and power outlets. In-flight entertainment and premium meals are not offered like full-service carriers, trading those for a comfortable in-flight experience that has a more reasonable price, says the carrier.

Personal device holders and USB charging ports are provided in economy, which enables the use of personal devices for delivering pre-loaded entertainment content – there is no built-in entertainment system. “This reflects the growing trend of travelers downloading content to their personal devices, which helps us maintain a more efficient model.”

Additional seating options like the Business Premium Zone and Super Premium Zone are available on long-haul routes like Incheon – Paris and Incheon – Rome, operated by B777-300ER aircraft on selected dates.

On the YVR–ICN route, economy class passengers receive one complimentary meal, while business class passengers get two meals.

Checked baggage allowances vary by fare type – economy includes one 23kg bag, while business class includes two. Economy passengers are allowed one 10kg item for carry-on baggage, while business class passengers can bring two. When booking their flight, passengers have the option to purchase additional add-on services such as meal and baggage packages.