Korean Air to trim int'l routes due to fuel costs

SEOUL, Sept. 25 (Yonhap) -- Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea's largest airline,
said Thursday that it plans to reduce its overseas routes on increased fuel costs
and a weaker won.
According to the airline, flights on 12 international routes, including one
between Incheon and San Francisco, will be reduced between Oct. 26 to March 28.
The carrier will also temporarily halt three routes, including one serving
Incheon and Las Vegas.
The price of jet fuel has risen more than 30 percent in the past year, eroding
Korean Air's bottom line. Also, the local currency fell nearly 18 percent against
the U.S. dollar, increasing the financial burden on the airline, which must pay
its oil fees in dollars.
In May the airline slashed flights on some international routes, again citing
high fuel costs.
Shares of Korean Air were trading at 40,850 won (US$35.1) on the Seoul bourse as
of 1:50 p.m., up 0.99 percent.