World's Most Bizarre Airline - North Korea's Air Koryo

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# air koryo
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Overview

This video offers a glimpse into the unique experience of flying with Air Koryo, North Korea's national airline. Often dubbed the "world's one-star airline," Air Koryo operates a fleet of vintage Soviet aircraft, offering a nostalgic journey back in time. The video showcases various aircraft models, including the Ilyushin IL-62, Ilyushin IL-18, Tupolev 204, and Antonov 148, highlighting their interiors and onboard services. Beyond the flights, the video provides a glimpse into North Korea's tourism, showcasing aspects like guided tours, interactions with locals, food, accommodation, and the country's first international air show held in Wonsan.

Air Koryo Experience
- ✈️
  Air Koryo, North Korea's national airline, offers a unique flying experience with its fleet of vintage Soviet aircraft.
- 🕰️
  Flying on Air Koryo is like traveling back in time, with outdated interiors and a glimpse into aviation history.
- 💺
  Despite its one-star reputation, Air Koryo provides surprisingly good legroom, wider seats, and complimentary food and drinks.
- ✈️
  The airline operates various aircraft, including Ilyushin IL-62, IL-18, Tupolev 204, and Antonov 148, each offering a distinct experience.
- 👩‍✈️
  Air Koryo's flight attendants, dressed in old-style red uniforms, are known for their efficiency and politeness.
North Korea Aviation Tour
- 🧭
  Access to North Korea is primarily through organized tours, which handle flight bookings and visas.
- 🏞️
  Aviation tours offer a broader perspective of North Korea, including flights to different cities and landmarks.
- 🏔️
  The tour included a flight to Samjiyon, home to Mount Paektu, a sacred mountain in Korean culture.
- ✈️
  Participants experienced flights on various aircraft, including the Ilyushin IL-18 and Antonov 148.
- ✈️
  The Wonsan Airshow in 2016 provided a rare glimpse into North Korea's air force and aviation capabilities.
Glimpses of North Korean Life
- 👫
  Tourists are constantly accompanied by two tour guides and their movements are restricted.
- 💂‍♀️
  While the tour guides are ever-present, they are described as friendly, intelligent, and talented.
- 🍲
  Food in North Korea is portrayed as simple, with a risk of food poisoning, especially with seafood.
- 🏨
  Accommodation is typically in government-run hotels like the Koryo Hotel, considered a four-star establishment.
- 🎭
  The Wonsan Airshow offered a unique opportunity for tourists to interact with North Korean locals.

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Key moments

Introduction to Air Koryo
Flying on Air Koryo is like traveling back in time.
Air Koryo is the world's only one-star airline.
Traveling to North Korea
The YouTuber visited North Korea several times on aviation tours.
The main reason for visiting is to fly on vintage Soviet aircraft.
Entry to North Korea is only possible via China or Russia.
First Flight Experience on Ilyushin IL-62
The YouTuber flew from Beijing to Pyongyang on an IL-62.
The flight was about 1.5 hours long and included a free meal.
The landing at Pyongyang airport was very loud.
Pyongyang Airport and North Korean Tour Guides
Pyongyang airport doesn't have an ILS, so landings are visual approaches.
The old passenger terminal is dark and only lit when passengers arrive.
Mobile phones are surrendered upon arrival and returned upon departure.
The YouTuber met their two North Korean tour guides, who were fluent in English.
Domestic Flights and Mount Paektu
The aviation tour included domestic flights within North Korea.
The YouTuber flew on a 1960 Ilyushin IL-18 from Pyongyang to Samjiyon.
They visited Mount Paektu, a sacred mountain for Koreans.
Air Koryo During and After Pandemic
Air Koryo was grounded for almost three years during the pandemic.
Flights resumed to Beijing, Shenyang, and Vladivostok in 2023.
Only two Tupolev 204s and one Antonov 148 are currently active.
Second Trip and Tupolev 204 Experience
The second trip in 2014 was on a modern Tupolev 204.
Flight attendants wore new, dark uniforms.
Business class received a sandwich and beer, while economy got a burger.
Antonov 148 and Other Aircraft
The YouTuber also flew on a new Antonov 148.
The rest of the Air Koryo fleet includes IL-76, Tu-134, Tu-154, and An-24.
Exploring North Korea
Tourists must be accompanied by two tour guides at all times.
The tour guides are friendly and skilled at singing and playing instruments.
North Korean Tour and Activities
The tour is heavily controlled, with a fixed itinerary.
Tourists are taken to celebratory spots and must bow to statues of leaders.
The Pyongyang Metro is a highlight, featuring decommissioned East German train cars.
Food and Accommodation
Food is simple and potentially risky in the countryside.
The tour stayed at the Koryo Hotel, a four-star hotel in Pyongyang.
Wonsan Airshow
In 2016, the YouTuber attended the first Wonsan Airshow.
The air show featured a mix of Air Koryo and North Korean Air Force aircraft.
The air show provided a rare glimpse into North Korean military aviation.
The organizers learned from international air shows like RIAT and Farnborough.
The air show allowed for interaction between tourists and locals.
Conclusion
The YouTuber expresses gratitude for their aviation hobby.
They acknowledge the challenging living conditions in North Korea.
The YouTuber wishes the best for the North Korean people and Air Koryo.