T’way Air Is Now Trinity Airways: What the Rebrand Means for Passengers

T’way Air is now Trinity Airways. South Korea’s low-cost airline began flying under its new name on 10 September 2026, its first name change in 16 years. The rebrand follows the airline’s takeover by the Sono Trinity Group, and it comes with a new livery, new uniforms and plans for a loyalty programme linked to hotels and resorts.

If you already have a booking, the most important thing to know is that very little changes for you. This guide explains why the name changed, what stays the same, where Trinity Airways flies, and how it compares with other Korean airlines. Facts are checked against the sources listed at the end.

Trinity Airways at a Glance

Detail	What you need to know
New name	Trinity Airways (formerly T’way Air)
Flying under new name since	10 September 2026
Flight code	TW (unchanged)
Owner	Sono Trinity Group (formerly Daemyung Sono Group)
Headquarters	Seoul
Main bases	Seoul Incheon and Gimpo, plus other Korean airports
Fleet	Boeing 737s for short-haul; Airbus A330s and Boeing 777s for long-haul
Long-haul routes	Europe, Sydney and Vancouver

Why T’way Air Became Trinity Airways: The Rebrand Explained

In February 2025, the Sono Trinity Group, the hospitality company formerly known as Daemyung Sono Group, bought a 46% stake in T’way Air for 250 billion won (about US$176 million). The group runs hotels and resorts across South Korea and wanted an airline that could work alongside its leisure business.

The new name ties the airline to its owner and marks a fresh start under new management. Shareholders approved the change, the airline finished updating its operating licence to the new name in May 2026, and new cabin crew uniforms were unveiled in Seoul in August. Flights began operating under the Trinity Airways name on 10 September 2026.

A new look in the air

The new livery uses large titles on the front of the aircraft, a grey stripe along the lower fuselage and a grey tail with a pink, yellow and blue triangle. Repainting a whole fleet takes time, so you may still see aircraft in the old red T’way colours for a while.

Rebrand Timeline

Date	Step
February 2025	Sono group buys a 46% stake in T’way Air
March 2026	Shareholders approve the new name
May 2026	Operating licence updated to the new name
August 2026	New cabin crew uniforms unveiled in Seoul
10 September 2026	Flights begin operating under the new name

The repainting of aircraft and the replacement of signs, check-in desks and airport branding will continue for some time after the official switch, so expect a mix of old and new branding at airports into 2027.

What Sono Ownership Could Bring

The owner is best known in South Korea for its hotels and resorts, including ski and leisure resorts in the mountains and by the sea. That gives the airline something most low-cost carriers do not have: a sister business that sells holidays.

• Flight and hotel packages: combined deals for domestic trips, especially to Jeju and other leisure destinations, are an obvious next step.
• Shared loyalty: the planned programme is expected to reward both flights and hotel stays.
• Investment: a committed owner can fund new aircraft and routes, which matters for an airline expanding into long-haul flying.
• Leisure focus: expect marketing and route planning aimed at holidaymakers rather than business travellers.

None of these plans has been fully detailed yet, so treat them as possibilities rather than promises.

A Short History: From Hansung Airlines to Trinity

The airline’s roots go back to Hansung Airlines, which started flying in 2005 with small ATR 72 turboprops between Cheongju and Jeju. Hansung stopped flying in 2009 because of financial problems, and the business was relaunched in 2010 as T’way Air.

Under the T’way name, the airline grew quickly. It launched its first international flight, to Bangkok, in 2011 and reported its first profit in 2013. Over the following decade it built a large network of short-haul routes to Japan, China, South East Asia and Taiwan, using Boeing 737 aircraft.

In 2022 it took its first wide-body Airbus A330, opening the door to long-haul flying. Sydney became its first long-haul destination, followed by routes to Europe and North America. The move to Trinity Airways is the latest step in that transformation from a small domestic airline to an international one.

What Stays the Same for Passengers

Trinity Airways has been clear that existing customers do not need to do anything because of the name change.

• Flight code: flights still use the TW code, so flight numbers do not change.
• Bookings: existing reservations remain valid, with no need to rebook.
• Schedules and terms: timetables and conditions of carriage are unchanged.
• Check-in: you can check in online or at the airport as usual.

Your ticket and confirmation email may still show the T’way name for a while. That is normal, and airport staff will recognise both names. If you search for flights online, some booking sites may take time to update and could show either name.

Where Trinity Airways Flies

From its Seoul bases and other Korean airports, the airline flies a mix of short-haul and long-haul routes.

Short-haul routes

Most flights are short trips to Japan, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and other parts of Asia, as well as domestic flights within South Korea, including busy routes to Jeju. These are operated mainly by Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

Domestic flights to Jeju

The route between Seoul Gimpo and Jeju Island is often ranked among the busiest air routes in the world, with flights departing every few minutes at peak times. Several Korean airlines compete on it, which keeps fares low outside holidays. Jeju is a popular destination for beaches, hiking on Hallasan mountain and family holidays, and domestic flights there do not need a passport for Korean residents, although foreign visitors should carry theirs. Book early for spring blossom season, the summer holidays and long weekends, when seats can sell out.

Long-haul routes

• Europe: Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Frankfurt and Zagreb. Some of these routes were taken over as part of the competition remedies for the Korean Air and Asiana merger.
• Australia: Sydney, the airline’s first long-haul route.
• North America: Vancouver, launched in 2025.

Long-haul flights use Airbus A330s and Boeing 777-300ERs, some leased from Korean Air. Because these routes have fewer flights than short-haul ones, a cancellation can mean a longer wait for the next departure, so travel insurance is worth considering.

Flying Long-Haul on a Low-Cost Airline: What to Expect

Long-haul low-cost flying is very different from a short hop to Japan. Flights from Seoul to Europe take well over 12 hours, so it pays to plan ahead.

• Check what is included: meals, checked bags and seat selection may cost extra depending on your fare, so compare the total cost with a full-service airline.
• Bring your own comforts: a neck pillow, headphones, a refillable water bottle and warm layers make a big difference on a long flight.
• Download entertainment: do not assume every seat has a screen, and remember you cannot use a power bank on board.
• Consider a premium seat: some long-haul aircraft have a small premium cabin with more space, which can be good value on overnight flights.
• Allow time for connections: if you are connecting onward in Europe on a separate ticket, leave plenty of time in case of delays.

Flights to Sydney and Vancouver

The Sydney route was the airline’s first long-haul service and is popular with Korean holidaymakers and Australians visiting Korea. Vancouver, launched in 2025, gives the airline its first route to North America. Both routes have fewer weekly flights than the busiest short-haul routes, so book early for school holidays and the northern summer.

Your Rights If a Flight Is Delayed or Cancelled

Your rights depend on where your flight departs. Flights leaving an EU airport, such as Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Frankfurt or Zagreb, are covered by EU passenger rights rules even when the airline is not European. These can include meals, rebooking and, in some cases, compensation for long delays and cancellations.

Flights departing from Korea follow Korean consumer rules and the airline’s own conditions of carriage, which are generally less generous. Travel insurance that covers delays, missed connections and cancellations is a sensible extra, especially for long-haul trips with onward connections.

Trinity Airways Fleet

Aircraft	Used for	Notes
Boeing 737-800	Domestic and short-haul Asia	The backbone of the fleet
Boeing 737 MAX 8	Short-haul Asia	Newer, more fuel-efficient; more on order
Airbus A330-200 and A330-300	Long-haul and busy regional routes	Some leased from Korean Air
Boeing 777-300ER	Long-haul routes	Leased aircraft
Airbus A330-900	Future long-haul	On order, with deliveries from 2026

Aircraft can be swapped at short notice, so the type shown when you book is not guaranteed. If seat comfort matters, check the seat map close to departure.

A Loyalty Programme Is Coming

Trinity Airways does not yet run a points programme, which has been a weakness compared with full-service airlines. It plans to launch one linked to the Sono Group’s hotels and resorts, combining flights and stays on one platform. That could let travellers earn points on a flight to Jeju and spend them on a resort stay, or the other way around.

No launch date, earning rates or tier details have been announced. Until then, there is no way to earn miles on the airline’s own flights, so if earning points matters to you, compare with airlines that have programmes, such as Korean Air or Asiana.

Korean Power Bank Rules Still Apply

Like every South Korean airline, the airline does not allow power banks to be used or charged on board. Keep them in your cabin bag, within reach and out of the overhead bins, with the terminals covered. Our power bank rules guide explains the rules on other airlines.

How Trinity Compares With Other Korean Airlines

For a Korean low-cost airline, competition is fierce: South Korea has one of the most crowded budget markets in Asia, and the airline map is changing fast.

Airline	Type	Key point
Trinity Airways	Low-cost, with long-haul	Flies to Europe, Sydney and Vancouver as well as across Asia
Jeju Air	Low-cost	Large short-haul network across Asia
Jin Air	Low-cost	Merging with Air Busan and Air Seoul in 2027
Korean Air	Full-service	Combining with Asiana Airlines; SkyTeam member

If you are flying to Europe, the main question is whether you prefer a lower fare with paid extras or a full-service airline with meals, baggage and miles included. Compare the total price for your trip, including bags and seats, before you decide.

What the Jin Air merger means for Trinity

Korean Air’s three low-cost airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul, are due to merge in March 2027. That will create a larger rival, but it may also reduce choice on some routes, which could help an independent airline such as Trinity win customers. Read our guide to the Jin Air merger for details.

Tips for Flying Trinity Airways

1. Check what your fare includes: low-cost fares may not include checked baggage or seat selection, especially on short-haul routes.
2. Add bags online: paying for baggage in advance is usually cheaper than at the airport.
3. Watch the cabin bag weight: low-cost airlines in Korea often weigh cabin bags strictly.
4. Book long-haul early: flights to Europe and Sydney are less frequent and can sell out at peak times.
5. Keep power banks within reach: and do not use them on board.
6. Do not worry about the old name: tickets showing T’way are still valid.
7. Read the guide: our Trinity Airways guide covers baggage, fares and check-in.

Seoul Airports: Incheon or Gimpo?

Seoul has two main airports, and it matters which one your flight uses. Incheon International Airport, on an island west of the city, handles most international flights, including long-haul routes to Europe, Australia and North America. It is linked to central Seoul by the AREX airport railway as well as by bus and taxi, and the journey takes around an hour.

Gimpo International Airport is much closer to the city and handles most domestic flights, including many to Jeju, as well as some short international routes to Japan, China and Taiwan. If you are connecting between a domestic flight at Gimpo and an international flight at Incheon, allow several hours, because you will need to travel between the two airports.

Baggage Basics on Korean Budget Airlines

Baggage is where low-cost fares can become expensive if you are not careful. A few simple habits help you avoid surprises at the airport:

• Know your fare: the cheapest fares often include only a cabin bag, while higher fare types add a checked bag.
• Respect the weight limit: cabin bags are often weighed at check-in or at the gate, and heavy bags may have to be checked for a fee.
• Plan for sports equipment: golf clubs, skis and bicycles usually need to be booked in advance and may cost extra.
• Travelling with a baby: check the rules for pushchairs, car seats and infant baggage before you fly.
• Shopping trips: if you plan to shop in Japan or South East Asia, add extra checked weight for the return flight when you book, as it is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.

How to Find Cheaper Fares

• Compare dates: fares on routes to Japan and South East Asia change a lot from day to day, so flexible dates can save a lot.
• Watch for sales: Korean low-cost airlines run frequent promotions, often announced on their apps and social media.
• Avoid peak holidays: Lunar New Year, Chuseok and the summer holidays push prices up sharply.
• Book bags with the ticket: adding a checked bag later or at the airport usually costs more.
• Compare airports: some routes are available from Gimpo, Incheon, Daegu or Cheongju, and one may be cheaper or more convenient.

You can compare fares across airlines on the FlightSelects flight search.

Should You Fly Trinity Airways?

For short flights within Asia, the airline is a sensible choice if you pack light and compare fares carefully. On long-haul routes, it can offer some of the lowest fares between Korea and Europe or Australia, but you should expect fewer frills than on a full-service airline, and you will not earn miles until the loyalty programme launches.

The Trinity Airways rebrand itself does not change the onboard product, so judge it on the same things you would judge any airline: price, schedule, baggage rules and reliability on your route.

Trinity Airways FAQs

Facts checked in October 2026 against Travel Radar on the rebrand, the airline’s history and fleet and Digital Daily on the planned loyalty programme. Check with the airline before you travel.