North Korean leader's personal plane makes rare flight amid heightened tensions

SEOUL, June 17 (Yonhap) -- An aircraft used by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un flew from Pyongyang to the eastern part of the country on Wednesday, an aviation tracker said, sparking speculation that the leader may reemerge into public view for possible military action amid heightened inter-Korean tensions.
The An-148 twin-engine jet was spotted flying northeastwards at around 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Aircraft Spot said. It said the plane's signals disappeared near North Hamkyong Province.
North Korea watchers have said that the Air Koryo plane has been used as Kim's personal aircraft in the past.
"The An-148 would be good for a short hop," a tracker operator told Yonhap News Agency, noting that Kim's other plane, IL-62, is made for longer-range trips though both are "configured to his luxurious needs."
"Honestly it's hard to tell who is aboard what plane, and when. But I did see that his An-148 flew in a north-easterly direction away from the region where his palace is," the operator said.

SOURCE: [link to en.yna.co.kr (secure)]