History
Based in Seoul, T’Way Air is a low-cost carrier operating domestic and international flights from Gimpo and Incheon. Previously only operating a fleet of Boeing 737-800s, over the past three years T’Way Air have received a number of Airbus A330s. Now, the airline has added the Boeing 777-300ER into their fleet, looking to shake up the South Korean market.
In April 2022, T’Way received their first A330-300. Since then, the airline has grown to a fleet of 5 A330-300s and 5 A330-200s. These aircraft previously flew for airlines such as Thair AirAsia X, Smartlynx Malta, Aeroflot and Korean Air.
As part of the future Asiana-Korean Air merger, Korean Air surrendered valuable slots at main European airports and ultimately forfeited 5 A330-200s to T’Way Air.
To facilitate their rapid expansion until delivery of A330-900s leased from Avolon, T’Way have taken delivery of two ex-Cathay Pacific 777-300ERs. The airline will gradually introduce these aircraft on European flights, with Rome starting a few weeks ago. Barcelona, Frankfurt and Paris will soon see a few weekly services alongside their Airbus A330s.
Since early March, T’Way have been operating their sole 777-300ER on domestic flights between Seoul-Gimpo and Jeju 2-4 times a day.
Whilst visiting South Korea, I took the opportunity of planning a quick return trip to Jeju, flying both business and economy class.
Gimpo handles majority of Seoul’s domestic traffic, with a dedicated international terminal for flights to China and Japan.
T”Way Air A330-300
Seoul Gimpo to Jeju
Upon arrival to the airport, I was greeted with confusion by the airline check in staff. They couldn’t understand how I booked such a short return leg and advised me that they would not be able to check me in for the return leg. Understanding the confusion and the odd routing, I though ok, having 1 hour and 10 minutes should be fine to get to the check in desk in Jeju and back through security.
Going through Gimpo domestic security early in the morning… let’s just say, it’s busy. It took me 40 minutes. By the time I got through, my flight was already boarding.
Boarding
T”Way Air Boeing 777-300ER
To my surprise, we boarded a bus to take us to our remote gate. Looking at previous flights, it seems T’Way park their 777-300ER at a remote parking stand on the international side of the airport on a regular basis.
Being a domestic flight and via a remote gate, it was a free for all with no priority bus or boarding. As my expectations were quite low, this process did not bother me at all, however I know this can be irritating for some. It also creates delays majority of the time, as we pushed back over 30 minutes late.
T’Way Air 777-300ER ‘Cathay First’
Once inside the aircraft, all passengers will pass Cathay’s stunning First Class. The 6 suites are in a 1-1-1 configuration and are not bookable online or at check in. I did try upon check in to see if it was possible, even for a fee, but I was told no. However, on my return leg, there were passengers sitting in them.
T’Way Air 777-300ER Business Class
T”Way Air 777-300ER Business Class
Passing the small business section and the galley, you will then find 53 Safran Cirrus II seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. Comfy, spacious and clean; I have always loved these seats.
T”Way Air 777-300ER Business Class
The seat boasts ample storage. Above the seat, there is a compartment with a mirror where you can safety store your phone, wallet, passport and other small items. Headphones are also usually stored here, however there were none for our flight.
T”Way Air 777-300ER Business Class
Below the seat, there is room for shoes and other items.
T”Way Air 777-300ER Business Class IFE Screen
Unfortunately, but understandably, there was no in-flight entertainment for our flight. Being just shy of an hour, you can recognise why T’Way wouldn’t offer IFE.
Upon landing into Jeju, we were treated to another remote gate and a bus transfer to the terminal.
Jeju to Seoul Gimpo
Arriving at the terminal and having no luggage, I quickly raced up to check in and got my boarding pass with 15 minutes to spare. On the return leg, I was flying economy.
Boarding via bus yet again, light chaos ensued as we waited on the stairs for about 5 or so minutes, waiting for the crew to be ready for us.
T”Way Air 777-300ER Premium Economy
Upon entering the aircraft, you once again pass Cathay’s First, Business and Premium Economy cabins. There are 34 Premium Economy seats in a 2-4-2 lay out, the same configuration as majority of premium economy cabins. Whilst not up to industry standard these days, the premium seats do have quite a bit of cushion and padding left in them.
T”Way Air 777-300ER Economy Class
T”Way Air 777-300ER Economy Class
Sporting 201 Recardo slimline seats, the economy class cabin is arranged in the now standardised 3-4-3 configuration. I have always found the seat back recline and legroom to be quite good. There is an adjustable headrest and a generously sized IFE screen for all seats, however as stated on the previous flight, they are not turned on. The IFE screens only showcase the options to call the crew and operate the above lighting.
Approach into Seoul
We were treated with stunning views upon departing and landing into Seoul-Gimpo. The city is massive, boasting a population of 26 million within the Seoul Metropolitan Area.
Feedback
Whilst these tickets were quite last minute, yet still reasonably cheap, no service was provided onboard either of the flights. Yes, it is less than an hour, however, the business class service was quite odd in my opinion.
Once we took off from Seoul, the crew did not come around at all, even for a light drink service. I went into the galley to ask for some water. The only time the crew were seen was about 15 minutes prior to landing, making sure the cabin was secured.
On the return flight from Jeju, no service was provided in economy. The crew were more attentive and seen walking down the aisles, but that was about it.
I know this may be a first-world problem, but I truly believe that a light drink service should be offered, even if it’s just water. I fully understand that these flights are more for crew training, though it does seem quite… lacklustre. I suppose the old saying is correct though – you get what you pay for! I certainly have no problems with that.
Future Operations
T’Way have an impressive year ahead of them. Originally planning to debut their 777-300ER on the Paris route, the airline has started service to Rome thus far, with Paris scheduled for late May. Currently flying to Barcelona, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome and Sydney, the airline is expanding its long haul network with flights to Tashkent and Vancouver in the coming months.
With their second 777-300ER due to enter international service soon, the airline will be able to offer a more premium product to and from Europe, competing with Asiana Airlines and Korean Air.
Conclusion
Whilst only reviewing the airline on its domestic service, I don’t believe its fair to judge the airline entirely. I would love to see what they offer on their long-haul flights in business class. Maybe we will review that in the future!
I do believe they will succeed with their fleet development and expanding network. South Korean travel has exploded since the pandemic, now with more offerings and competition than ever before. T’Way can definitely change the South Korean long haul market, and I look forward to seeing them prosper!
