British Airways resumed its direct flights between Seoul and London on Monday, upping its efforts in the growing Asian aviation market.

Starting on Monday, the air carrier operates two airplanes ― BA17 and BA18 ― six times a week non-stop between Seoul’s Incheon International Airport and London’s Heathrow Airport.

It was the company’s return to Korea 14 years after its route between Gimpo and Heathrow was shut down during the Asian Financial Crisis in the late 1990s.

“We celebrate a milestone in our commitment to increasing our presence in Asia,” said Jamie Cassidy, area general manager for the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, at a press conference in Seoul.

The regional chief expected 60 percent of the passengers using the new route would be Korean, with people from the U.K. and other European countries making up 30 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

In December, special fares for the round-trip ticket will be offered at 500,000 won ($460), about 20-30 percent cheaper than the normal prices at 600,000 to 700,000 won.

(jylee@heraldcorp.com)