T’way Air Rebrands to Trinity Airways, Korea, 2026 Rollout

(SOUTH KOREA) South Korea’s T’way Air will change its name to Trinity Airways in a sweeping rebrand led by new owner Daemyung Sono Group, with the rollout set for the first half of 2026 and public preparations throughout 2025. Company statements say the rebrand will cover a new logo, aircraft designs, crew uniforms, and digital platforms, while shifting the airline from a pure low‑cost model toward a “hybrid airline” that blends cost control with selected premium services on longer routes.

The move follows Daemyung Sono Group’s completion of a 64.2% controlling stake in June 2025, positioning the resort giant to link its hotels and resorts with the airline’s growing international network.

Brand meaning and company goals

Executives introduced the new name “Trinity,” drawn from the Latin “Trinitas,” to signal unity between air travel, hospitality, and resort services. The company says the brand change “marks a new beginning,” with a focus on customer safety, service training, and sustainability.

Industry analysts view the shift as one of the most consequential brand moves in South Korea’s aviation market in recent years. They note that Trinity Airways plans to compete not only on price but also on bundled travel experiences built around Daemyung Sono Group’s hotel portfolio.

Rebrand rollout: timing and scope

The plan is deliberate and staged. Key elements:

• Corporate identity and color scheme: Move away from T’way Air’s red, green, and white to a neutral palette.
• Digital-first rollout: New logo and color scheme will appear on websites and apps initially.
• Physical changes: Aircraft repainting, new uniforms, and redesigned airport signage will follow as planes enter heavy maintenance or are delivered.
• Fleet support: The first of five new A330neo deliveries is expected in 2026 to support long‑haul plans.

Management expects the full rebrand to finish in the first half of 2026. As of September 2025, the airline operates 44 aircraft—including Airbus A330s, Boeing 737‑800s, 737‑8s, and 777‑300ERs—which have supported expansion to longer routes.

Integrated travel and Daemyung Sono Group’s strategy

Daemyung Sono Group, South Korea’s largest resort operator, aims to pair flights with stays at its 18 hotels totaling 11,000+ rooms. Company materials describe plans for “integrated travel,” enabling customers to book flights, rooms, transfers, and add‑ons in one place.

Planned features include:

• Unified membership benefits across airline and hotel services
• Special packages across Asia, Europe, and the Americas
• Reduced planning time and clearer total-trip cost visibility — useful for families and tour groups

For Daemyung Sono Group, the model can boost hotel occupancy and help fill planes during shoulder seasons by bundling offers.

Market context and strategic rationale

The “hybrid airline” model is central to the identity change. It aims to:

• Maintain economy pricing on many routes
• Offer paid extras or upgraded service features on select long‑haul flights
• Provide more seat choices, bundled resort stays, and clearer upgrade paths

This strategy links rooms and flights into single offers that can increase repeat business if executed well. T’way Air — originally Hansung Airlines (2004), rebranded to T’way Air in 2010 — helped pioneer South Korea’s low‑cost market. Now, as Trinity Airways, the carrier seeks to preserve the value segment while testing a broader service set.

Analysts note the move fits a wider trend of carriers refreshing brands since 2025. If successful, Trinity could stand out by offering trip-length packages that tie flights to stays and activities.

Operational approach and employee impact

The rebrand will be phased to limit service disruption. Key operational tactics:

• Digital spaces first: new colors and logo on websites, apps, and booking systems
• Aircraft and uniforms: updated as aircraft enter scheduled maintenance or are delivered
• Employee input: cabin and ground staff will help shape onboard routines and service steps
• Training: crews will receive service and safety training aligned with the new brand

For employees, expected outcomes include:

• Training and standards: new service steps and brand guidelines, with updated uniforms in 2026
• Career growth: broader route map and hotel‑airline integration may open new internal opportunities
• Operational stability: scheduling and pay systems remain while branding and tools transition

What travelers and travel professionals should expect

Passengers should see the following during the transition:

1. Brand updates in stages
   • Website, app, gate screens, and boarding passes will change first, followed by aircraft and uniforms through early 2026.
2. New loyalty options
   • A unified membership program across flights and Daemyung Sono Group properties with bundled packages for families and tour groups.
3. Long‑haul focus
   • A330neo deliveries starting 2026 are intended to support routes to North America and Europe.
4. Customer support continuity
   • Existing T’way Air channels remain active until the brand change is complete, reducing confusion during peak travel.

For travel sellers and corporate travel managers:

• Update profiles, contract names, and approval workflows in Global Distribution Systems once codes and names change.
• Company sources say partners will receive early notice of cutover dates to reduce check‑in and security errors.

Travel agents and immigration professionals note that airline name changes can affect documents used for visa interviews (tickets, itineraries, employer letters). According to VisaVerge.com, travelers who rely on air itineraries to support visa filings should double‑check booking confirmations and flight receipts once the rebrand goes live, especially for consulates that demand precise itinerary details.

Suggested steps for customers planning visa applications during the transition:

• Keep records showing both brand names — T’way Air and Trinity Airways — on travel paperwork until the switch is complete.
• Carry the current booking email or e‑ticket with the active brand name and airline code if a consulate requests proof of travel.
• For group trips tied to Daemyung Sono Group resorts, ask the booking agent for a single itinerary listing flights, hotel stays, and dates.

Regulatory and safety considerations

Regulators will coordinate name and livery changes. In South Korea, aviation shifts of this scale typically involve the country’s air transport authorities. Travelers and industry partners can track official notices through the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport: https://www.molit.go.kr/english/.

Company sources say Trinity Airways will phase in changes to avoid service disruption and ensure booking and check‑in systems remain compatible when the new brand appears on screens, signs, and boarding passes.

Safety measures highlighted by the company:

• Align paint schedules with planned maintenance to limit extra downtime
• Train cabin crews on refreshed safety briefings and service steps
• Ensure any interior or galley adjustments pass standard inspections before use

Company leaders emphasize that safety will not be compromised by the rebrand; maintenance and inspection routines remain a priority.

Key dates and figures at a glance

Final considerations

While the company hasn’t published new fare rules or full package terms, the broad direction is clear: sell the trip, not just the seat. Standard flight‑only options will remain for travelers who prefer to book pieces separately.

The key test will be whether Trinity Airways can keep costs low on short‑haul routes while offering compelling extras on long‑haul flights to win repeat business. As the 2026 launch nears, watch for official updates from the airline and owner, and consult the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport https://www.molit.go.kr/english/ for any regulatory notices that affect airlines’ names, codes, or operations.