On Friday 24th April 2026, representatives from South Korean airline Air Premia and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) gathered at Washington Dulles International Airport to welcome a brand new service, between the capital cities of Republic of Korea and United States of America, the aircraft type used is a Boeing 787-9, arriving at 10:27am eastern time, ahead of the 10:50am eastern scheduled time.

Air Premia will operate four times a week between Seoul Incheon (ICN) and Washington Dulles (IAD) starting April 24, 2026. Flights will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Air Premia is Korea’s first long haul, hybrid service carrier, also the latest entrant serving Seoul on a nonstop service from Incheon to Dulles, the new route launched by Air Premia is the airline’s fifth U.S. destination, flight times are scheduled as follows: Seoul to Washington approximately 13 hours 50 minutes, Washington to Seoul approximately15 hours 35 minutes.

Air Premia was established on July 27, 2017,  Originally founded as AP Air, the company rebranded to Air Premia in 2018, It was designed as South Korea’s first “hybrid service carrier,” a model that combines the low operating costs of budget airlines with the high-quality amenities typically found on full-service carriers, with a unique focus on long-haul routes. All-Dreamliner Fleet: The airline exclusively operates Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner’s, chosen for their fuel efficiency and range for transpacific travel, Air Premia offers only two classes: Premium Economy (42-inch seat pitch) and Economy (35-inch seat pitch). This “35/42” configuration provides some of the most generous legroom in the industry for their respective classes.

A special thank you to MWAA’s staff, organizers, volunteers, and customer service team for their warm hospitality—especially Amanda Ohbayashi for her outstanding work and seamless execution throughout the event. We truly appreciate being part of this local aviation milestone.

Sincerely,
Harry Morrow, FHAM – Editor
Fly High Aviation Media

Photography & Reporting : Harry Morrow​.

our ride was on a mobile lounge To Runway 01R Dulles International To Meet the Arrival Of Air Premia

Fly High Aviation Media’s own Harry Morrow was on hand to capture the morning arrival of Air Premia at Washington Dulles, marking the launch of the airline’s new nonstop service between Seoul and Washington operated by a Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner. Fellow FHAM team members Brian Aldridge and Gautham Kurup were also positioned on the public side of the fence to catch the action, making it a memorable morning and a great moment as another new airline touched down at Dulles for the first time.

a few images of the new service operated by air premia arriving into KIAD hL8389 boeing 787-9

Far in the distance, the Boeing 787-9 appeared on the downwind leg for Runway 01R at Washington Dulles International Airport. Moments later, Air Premia’s Dreamliner touched down smoothly, decelerating with ease as it exited the runway to mark the airline’s arrival at Dulles.

air Premia perfect landing now taxi to stand b-45

We quickly boarded the mobile lounge once again, hoping to reach the stand before the Dreamliner itself, as tradition called for the arrival to be marked with a full water cannon salute—a fitting welcome for such a special celebration.

welcoming air premia with a glorious water cannon salute

What a spectacular water cannon salute as the Dreamliner made its slow, graceful approach to the gate. From a photographer’s perspective, being positioned so close to the action is a truly unique experience, and we are extremely grateful to MWAA for allowing us to capture such an unforgettable moment in aviation history.

air premia parked on stand ready for it’s next journey

Air Premia’s Dreamliner was soon settled on stand B45 following its long 13.5‑hour journey from Seoul. With the celebrations drawing to a close, there was no time to waste as ground crews swiftly moved in to begin the turnaround, preparing the aircraft for its next westbound departure back to the Republic of Korea—a process they will repeat four times a week as this new service becomes part of the regular rhythm at Dulles.

a few images of other airlines & aircraft during our short stay

Just a few other aircraft movements rounded out the session, with plenty of business jet activity alongside the regular regional airline traffic. A standout during my short time on the car park roof was Texel Air’s Boeing 737‑800 freighter, A9C‑TXY, operating on the Bahrain register. Thanks again to everyone involved—it was great to be part of it and to see some familiar faces along the way.

A big thank you to MWAA, for all the help in bringing this short report together. It was truly appreciated, and I look forward to seeing you all again in the near future.

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Until next time,
Harry Morrow, FHAM
Editor, Fly High Aviation Media

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