:Korean Air
{{Short description|Flag carrier of South Korea}}
{{About|South Korea's flag carrier, Korean Air|other airlines based in South Korea|list of airlines of South Korea|North Korea's flag carrier|Air Koryo}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox airline
| airline = Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd.
{{nobold|{{lang|ko-Hang|주식회사 대한항공}}
{{transliteration|ko|Jusikhoesa Daehan Hanggong}}}}
| logo = Korean Air 2025.svg{{!}}class=skin-invert
| logo_size = 250
| image = Korean Air Boeing 777-300ER HL8008 departing Boston, April 2025.jpg
| image_size = 250
| caption = Korean Air Boeing 777-300ER in 2025
| IATA = KE
| ICAO = KAL
| aoc =
| hubs = {{ubl|class=nowrap
| Seoul–Incheon}}
| focus_cities = {{ubl|class=nowrap
| Busan
| Jeju}}
| frequent_flyer = SKYPASS
| alliance = {{ubl|class=nowrap
| SkyTeam
| SkyTeam Cargo}}
| subsidiaries = {{ubl|class=nowrap
| Airlines:
| Asiana Airlines (63.9%){{Cite news|url=https://www.segye.com/newsView/20241211515409?OutUrl=naver|script-title=ko:대한항공, 12일 아시아나 자회사로 편입|trans-title=Korean Air incorporated Asiana Airlines into subsidiary on the 12th|date=12 December 2024|language=Ko|publisher=Segye News}}
| {{in5}} Air Busan
| {{in5}} Air Seoul
| Jin Air
| Non-airlines:
| Air Total Service
| CyberSky
| Global Logistics System Korea
| HIST
| Korea Airport Service
}}
| destinations = 108{{Cite web|url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airline/KE | title=Korean Air on ch-aviation.com | website=ch-aviation.com | access-date= 21 November 2023}}
| parent = Hanjin Group
| traded_as = {{kse|003490}}
| num_employees = 20,000
| founded = {{start date and age|1962|06}}
| commenced = {{start date and age|1969|03|01|df=yes}}
| headquarters = 260 Haneul-gil, Gangseo District, Seoul, South Korea
| key_people = Walter Cho (Chairman & CEO)
Woo Kee-Hong (Vice Chairman)
Yoo Jong-Seok (COO & Chief Safety Officer)
| revenue = {{increase}} {{USD|29.76 billion|link=yes}} (2023)
| operating_income = {{increase}} {{USD|492.521 billion}} (2023)
| net_income = {{increase}} {{USD|88.876 billion}} (2023)
| assets = {{increase}} {{USD|224.351 billion}} (2023)
| website = {{URL|https://www.koreanair.com/|koreanair.com}}
| notes = Financials {{as of|2023|12|27}}.
References:{{cite web|url=https://www.koreanair.com/kr/en/footer/about-us/investor-relations/financial-information|title=Investor Relations - Financial Report|date=27 December 2023|publisher=Korean Air}}
}}
{{Infobox Korean name|title=Korean name
| hangul = 대한항공
| hanja = 大韓航空
| rr = Daehan Hanggong
| mr = Taehan Hanggong
}}
Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd. (KAL; {{korean|hangul=주식회사 대한항공|rr=Jusikhoesa Daehan Hanggong}}) is the flag carrier of South Korea and its largest airline based on fleet size, international destinations, and international flights. It is owned by the Hanjin Group.
The present-day Korean Air traces its history to March 1, 1969, when the Hanjin group acquired government-owned Korean Air Lines, which had operated since June 1962.{{Cite web|url=http://comp.fnguide.com/SVO2/asp/SVD_shareanalysis.asp?pGB=5&gicode=A003490&cID=&MenuYn=Y&ReportGB=&NewMenuID=109&stkGb=701|script-title=ko:대한항공(A003490), 지분분석, 기업정보, Company Guide|access-date=September 1, 2020|language=ko|archive-date=February 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214071408/http://comp.fnguide.com/SVO2/asp/SVD_shareanalysis.asp?pGB=5&gicode=A003490&cID=&MenuYn=Y&ReportGB=&NewMenuID=109&stkGb=701|url-status=live}} Korean Air is a founding member of SkyTeam alliance and SkyTeam Cargo. As of 2024, it is one of the 10 airlines ranked 5-star airline by Skytrax,{{Cite web |title=Airlines Archive - Page 1 |url=https://skytraxratings.com/airlines |access-date=2024-05-25 |website=Skytrax |language=en-GB}} and the top 20 airlines in the world in terms of passengers carried and is also one of the top-ranked international cargo airlines.
Korean Air's international passenger division and related subsidiary cargo division together serve 126 cities in 44 countries. Its domestic division serves 13 destinations. The airline's global headquarters is located in Seoul, South Korea. The airline had approximately 20,540 employees as of December 2014.{{Cite web|url=https://www.koreanair.com/content/koreanair/global/en/about/who-we-are2/#cta-large=/global/en/about/who-we-are2/vision-statements-ethics/factsandfigures.html|title=Who We Are – Korean Air|website=Korean Air|access-date=June 14, 2016|archive-date=February 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214071419/https://www.koreanair.com/us/en#cta-large=/global/en/about/who-we-are2/vision-statements-ethics/factsandfigures.html|url-status=live}}
The airline was, around 1999, known as "an industry pariah, notorious for fatal crashes" due to its poor safety record and a large number of incidents and accidents.{{Cite news |last1=Carley |first1=William M. |last2=Pasztor |first2=Andy |date=1999-07-07 |title=Korean Air Tries to Fix A Dismal Safety Record |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB931315627291710896 |access-date=2022-10-24 |issn=0099-9660}} The airline's reputation has significantly improved by 2009 as it has focused investment on improving its safety record including by hiring consultants from Boeing and Delta Air Lines.{{cite news |last=Yu |first=Roger |date=August 26, 2009 |title=Korean Air upgrades service, image |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/profile/2009-08-23-travel-airlines-korea_N.htm |url-status=live |access-date=September 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214071405/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/profile/2009-08-23-travel-airlines-korea_N.htm |archive-date=February 14, 2021}}
In November 2020, it was announced that Korean Air would merge with competitor Asiana Airlines, but was switched to only acquire a major stake after the original merger plan was blocked by the United States Department of Justice for monopoly concerns. The acquisition was completed on December 12, 2024.{{Cite web |last=Bovenizer |first=Noah |date=2024-02-14 |title=EU is latest authority to grant approval for Korean Air's Asiana merger |url=https://www.airport-technology.com/news/eu-grants-approval-korean-asiana-merger/ |access-date=2024-05-25 |website=Airport Technology |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-05-20 |title=U.S. to give final approval on Asiana merger: Korean Air president |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-05-20/business/industry/US-to-give-final-approval-on-Asiana-merger-Korean-Air-president/2050606 |access-date=2024-05-25 |website=Korea JoongAng Daily |language=en}}
History
= Founding =
In 1962, government of the Republic of Korea acquired Korean National Airlines, which was founded in 1946, and changed its name to Korean Air Lines to become a state-owned airline. On 1 March 1969, the Hanjin Group acquired the state-owned airline and it is the beginning of Korean Air.{{Cite web|url=https://www.koreanair.com/global/en/about/who-we-are2.html#cta-large=/global/en/about/who-we-are2/history-awards/history.html|title=Korean Air History|website=Korean Air|access-date=November 17, 2020|archive-date=February 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214071419/https://www.koreanair.com/us/en#cta-large=/global/en/about/who-we-are2/history-awards/history.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.koreanair.com/korea/ko/about/who-we-are2.html#cta-medium=/korea/ko/about/who-we-are2/history-awards/history.html|title=Korean Air History|language=ko|website=Korean Air|access-date=November 17, 2020|archive-date=February 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214071429/https://www.koreanair.com/us/en#cta-medium=/korea/ko/about/who-we-are2/history-awards/history.html|url-status=live}} Long-haul trans-pacific freight operations were introduced on April 26, 1971, followed by passenger services to Los Angeles International Airport on April 19, 1972.{{cite news |date=April 3, 2007 |title=Directory: World Airlines |page=102 |work=Flight International}}
= Expansion =
File:Korean Air Lines 1969.svg
File:Boeing 707-3B5C HL7406 at Fukuoka Airport, August 1987.jpg in August 1987 with a previous livery. This aircraft is the only Boeing 707 ordered by Korean Air from Boeing, and destroyed in 1987 as Korean Air Flight 858.]]
Korean Air operated international flights to destinations such as Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, and Los Angeles with Boeing 707s until the introduction of the Boeing 747 in 1973. That year, the airline introduced Boeing 747s on its trans-Pacific routes and started a European service to Paris, France using the 707 and then McDonnell Douglas DC-10. In 1975, the airline became one of the earliest Asian airlines to operate Airbus aircraft with the purchase of three Airbus A300s, which were put into immediate service on Asian routes."[https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Korean-Air-Lines-Co-Ltd-Company-History.html Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd. History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522000452/http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Korean-Air-Lines-Co-Ltd-Company-History.html |date=May 22, 2012 }}". International Directory of Company Histories, Vol. 27. St. James Press, 1999. In 1981, Korean Air opened its cargo terminal at Los Angeles International Airport. Since South Korean aircraft were prohibited from flying in the airspace of North Korea and the Soviet Union at the time, the European routes had to be designed eastbound from South Korea, such as Seoul ~ Anchorage ~ Paris.
= Change to 'Korean Air' =
A blue-top, silver and redesigned livery with a new corporate "Korean Air" logo featuring a stylized Taegeuk design was introduced on March 1, 1984, and the airline's name changed to Korean Air from Korean Air Lines. This livery was introduced on its MD-80s and Boeing 747-300s. It was designed in cooperation between Korean Air and Boeing. In the 1990s, Korean Air became the first airline to use the new McDonnell Douglas MD-11 to supplement its new fleet of Boeing 747-400 aircraft; however, the MD-11 did not meet the airline's performance requirements and they were eventually converted to freighters. Some older 747 aircraft were also converted for freight service. In 1984, Korean Air's head office was in the KAL Building on Namdaemunno, Jung District, Seoul."World Airline Directory." Flight International. May 16, 1981. [https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1981/1981%20-%201442.html?search=%22Laker%20Airways%22 1444].
= Checkered safety culture and record =
Korean Air was once notorious for its abysmal safety record and high rate of fatal crashes.{{Cite news |last=Kirk |first=Don |date=2002-03-26 |title=New Standards Mean Korean Air Is Coming Off Many 'Shun' Lists |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/26/business/new-standards-mean-korean-air-is-coming-off-many-shun-lists.html |access-date=2022-10-25 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last=Journal |first=Bruce StanleyStaff Reporter of The Wall Street |date=2006-01-09 |title=Korean Air Bucks Tradition To Fix Problems |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB113676875085241209 |access-date=2022-10-24 |issn=0099-9660}}See Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers (2008), pp. 177–223 for a discussion of this turnaround in airline safety. Gladwell notes (p. 180) that the hull-loss rate for the airline was 4.79 per million departures, a full 17 times greater than United Airlines which at the same time had a loss rate of just 0.27 per million departures. In 1999, Korea's President Kim Dae-jung described the airline's safety record as "an embarrassment to the nation" and chose Korean Air's smaller rival, Asiana, for a flight to the United States.{{Cite news |last1=Carley |first1=William M. |last2=Pasztor |first2=Andy |date=1999-07-07 |title=Korean Air Tries to Fix A Dismal Safety Record |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB931315627291710896 |access-date=2022-10-24 |issn=0099-9660}}
Between 1970 and 1999, Korean Air wrote off 16 aircraft due to serious incidents and accidents with the loss of over 700 lives. In the case of Korean Air Flight 801, the National Transportation Safety Board unanimously concluded that the airline's inadequate pilot training contributed to the pilot error that caused the fatal crash.{{Cite news |last=Swoboda |first=Frank |date=November 3, 1999 |title=Better Pilot Training Could Have Prevented Korean Air Crash, NTSB Says |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1999/11/03/better-pilot-training-could-have-prevented-korean-air-crash-ntsb-says/17821669-12f5-4ef4-a941-05ed220b3575/}}
In 1999, Delta Air Lines suspended its code-sharing relationship with Korean Air explicitly citing its poor safety record following the fatal crash of Korean Air Cargo Flight 6316. It marked the first time safety was explicitly cited as the reason for stopping a major code-sharing alliance by an airline.{{Cite news |first1=Andy |last1=Pasztor |first2=Anna |last2=Wilde Mathews |first3=Martha |last3=Brannigan|date=1999-04-19 |title=Delta Suspends Code-Sharing Deal With Korean Air Following Crash |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB924282761387254560 |access-date=2022-10-25 |issn=0099-9660}} Other partners including Air Canada and Air France followed suit.
In 2001, the Federal Aviation Administration downgraded South Korea's aviation safety rating and blocked South Korean carriers from expanding into the United States after the country and its carriers failed to improve sufficiently following a warning the previous year.{{Cite web |date=2001-08-17 |title=FAA downgrades S. Korea's air safety rating |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/08/17/FAA-downgrades-S-Koreas-air-safety-rating/2284998020800/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=UPI}} The move was driven by the country's lax oversight of its carriers including Korean Air.{{Cite web |date=2001-08-17 |title=South Korea tackles U.S. air-safety downgrade |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2001/BUSINESS/asia/08/17/korea.airlines/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=CNN}}
The rating has since been restored as the airline invested billions of dollars to improve safety, upgrade its fleet, install new technology, and overhaul its corporate culture including hiring consultants from Boeing and Delta Air Lines. In 2002, the New York Times noted that Korean Air had been removed from many "shun lists".
File:Korean Air Boeing 747SP at Basle - January 1985.jpg at EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg in 1985]]
File:Korean Air takes delivery of its first A380 at Toulouse Blagnac International Airport.jpg at Toulouse–Blagnac Airport, France on May 25, 2011.]]
= Early 21st century =
On 23 June 2000, along with Aeroméxico, Air France, and Delta Air Lines, Korean Air founded major airline alliance, SkyTeam and SkyTeam Cargo, founded on 28 September 2000.{{cite news|url=https://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=104&oid=015&aid=0000247667|script-title=ko:대한항공등 4개사, 다자간 운항동맹 스카이팀 결성|trans-title=Korean Air and 4 other companies form a sky team for a multilateral flight alliance|newspaper=Korea Economy News|language=ko|date=23 June 2000|access-date=November 17, 2020|archive-date=February 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214071425/https://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=104&oid=015&aid=0000247667|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=102&oid=009&aid=0000052311|script-title=ko:대한항공 등 4개 항공사, 화물 서비스 '스카이팀 카고' 출범|newspaper=Maeil Economy News|language=ko|date=28 September 2000|access-date=November 17, 2020|archive-date=February 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214071417/https://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=102&oid=009&aid=0000052311|url-status=live}}
On 5 June 2007, Korean Air said that it would create a new low-cost carrier called Jin Air in Korea to compete with Korea's KTX high-speed railway network system, which offered cheaper fares and less stringent security procedures compared to air travel. Jin Air started scheduled passenger service on July 17, 2008. Korean Air announced that some of its 737s and A300s would be given to Jin Air.
In mid-2010, a co-marketing deal with games company Blizzard Entertainment sent a 747-400 and a 737-900 taking to the skies wrapped in StarCraft II branding. In August 2010, Korean Air announced heavy second-quarter losses despite record-high revenue.{{cite web|url=https://atwonline.com/airline-finance-data/news/korean-air-slides-second-quarter-loss-touts-record-high-revenue-0813|access-date=August 16, 2010|title=Korean Air slides to second-quarter loss but touts 'record high' revenue|publisher=ATW Online|date=August 16, 2010|archive-date=February 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214071432/https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/safety-ops-regulation/iatas-bisignani-pushes-us-officials-change-course-congestion|url-status=live}}
In August 2010, Hanjin Group, the parent of KAL, opened a new cargo terminal at Navoiy International Airport in Uzbekistan, which will become a cargo hub with regular Seoul-Navoi-Milan flights.{{cite web|url=https://atwonline.com/airports-routes/news/navoi-cargo-terminal-opens-uzbekistan-korean-air-expand-cargo-network-0812|access-date=August 16, 2010|title=Navoi Cargo Terminal opens in Uzbekistan; Korean Air to expand cargo network |publisher=ATW Online|date=August 16, 2010}}
In 2013, Korean Air acquired a 44% stake in Czech Airlines.{{cite news|last1=Hovet |first1=Jason |last2=Hepher |first2=Tim |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/czech-airline-korean-idUSL5N0CX30320130410 |title=Korean Air finalises investment in loss-making Czech Airlines |work=Reuters |date=April 10, 2013|access-date=August 4, 2015 }} It sold the stake in October 2017. On 1 May 2018, the airline launched a joint venture partnership with Delta Air Lines.{{Cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2019/12/281_246881.html|title=Korean Air-Delta joint venture to boost air traffic|date=2018-05-01|website=The Korea Times|language=en|access-date=2019-12-02|archive-date=February 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214071426/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2019/12/281_246881.html|url-status=live}}
In 2019, Korean Air began playing a safety video with the K-pop group SuperM.{{cite news |date=2019-11-04 |title=Korean Air Unveils All-New Safety Video |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com:443/thailand/pr/1787094/korean-air-unveils-all-new-safety-video |accessdate=2021-06-21 |newspaper=Bangkok Post}} It featured the song "Let's go everywhere", which was to be released as a single.{{cite web |last=Liotta |first=Edoardo |date=2019-11-08 |title=Korean Air's In-Flight Safety Video Ingeniously Features K-Pop |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/korean-airs-in-flight-safety-video-ingeniously-features-k-pop/ |access-date=2021-06-21 |work=Vice Magazine}} The airline also featured the group on a livery sported by a Boeing 777-300ER, with registration HL8010.{{Cite web |title=HL8010 {{!}} Boeing 777-3B5ER {{!}} Korean Air {{!}} Shimizu Brothers |url=https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9741468 |access-date=July 11, 2020 |website=JetPhotos |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=HL8010 {{!}} Boeing 777-3B5ER {{!}} Korean Air {{!}} Jubilant Chan |url=https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9604608 |access-date=2021-09-05 |website=JetPhotos |language=en}}
In 2023, Korean Air was certified a 5-star Airline by Skytrax, an air transport rating organization.{{Cite web |title=Korean Air is certified as a 5-Star Airline |url=https://skytraxratings.com/airlines/korean-air-rating |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Skytrax |language=en-GB}}
= Nut rage incident =
{{Main|Nut rage incident}}
Cho Hyun-Ah, also known as "Heather Cho", is the daughter of then-chairman Cho Yang-ho. She resigned from some of her duties in late 2014 after she ordered a Korean Air jet to return to the gate to allow a flight attendant to be removed from the aircraft. The attendant had served Cho nuts in a bag instead of on a plate. As a result of further fallout, Cho Hyun-Ah was later arrested by Korean authorities for violating South Korea's aviation safety laws.{{cite web |date=December 30, 2014 |title=Ex-Korean Air Executive Arrested Over 'Nut Rage' Incident |url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/12/30/374011911/ex-korean-air-executive-arrested-over-nut-rage-incident |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509102341/http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/12/30/374011911/ex-korean-air-executive-arrested-over-nut-rage-incident |archive-date=May 9, 2015 |access-date=April 24, 2015 |work=NPR.org}}
= Merger with Asiana Airlines =
{{Main|Merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines}}
In November 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the South Korean Government officially announced that Korean Air will acquire Asiana Airlines.{{cite news|url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20201116057151002?input=1195m|script-title=ko:대한항공·아시아나 통합 국적항공사 출범…산은 8천억 투입|language=ko|publisher=Yonhap News Agency|date=16 November 2020|access-date=November 16, 2020|archive-date=February 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214071432/https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20201116057151002?input=1195m|url-status=live}} The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea will integrate subsidiaries Air Busan, Air Seoul, and Jin Air to form a combined low-cost carrier which will focus on regional airports in Korea.{{cite news |date=16 November 2020 |title= |script-title=ko:진에어·에어서울·에어부산 통합... 정부 "지방공항 기반해 운영" |trans-title=Jin Air, Air Seoul, Air Busan Integration... Government "Operation Based on Local Airports" |url=https://biz.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2020/11/16/2020111601767.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214071412/https://biz.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2020/11/16/2020111601767.html |archive-date=February 14, 2021 |access-date=November 16, 2020 |work=The Chosun Ilbo |language=ko}}
In March 2021, KAL announced the merger with Asiana Airlines will be delayed as foreign authorities have not approved the deal.{{cite news |date=31 March 2021 |title= |script-title=ko:대한항공 "아시아나 인수 2년 후 완전통합" |trans-title=Korean Air: "Complete Integration 2 Years After Acquiring Asiana" |url=https://www.chosun.com/economy/economy_general/2021/03/31/OZXRN6GXYZDGBDQSQTYCTB3VSM/ |work=The Chosun Ilbo |language=ko}}{{cite news |date=31 March 2021 |title= |script-title=ko:아시아나, 대한항공 자회사 편입후 2년간 독립 운영 |trans-title=Asiana Airlines to operate independently for 2 years after incorporation as a subsidiary of Korean Air |url=http://www.munhwa.com/news/view.html?no=2021033101072139342001 |work=Munhwa Ilbo |language=ko}} As of 2023, the deal has not been completed as essential countries have approached the deal with skepticism.{{Cite web|date=2021-03-29|title=Korean Air delays merger of Asiana to 2024|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2021/04/774_306268.html|access-date=2021-04-15|website=The Korea Times|language=en}}
On 12 December 2024, Reuters reported that Korean Air had announced the completion of the purchase of debt-laden Asiana Airlines in a deal worth 1.5 trillion won (USD 1.6 billion). The deal enables Korean Air to acquire 63.88% of the second-largest airline in the country, becoming the 12th largest airline in the world by international capacity.{{Cite web |date=12 December 2024 |title=South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/korean-air-completes-asiana-takeover-form-one-asias-biggest-airlines-2024-12-12/ |access-date=17 December 2024 |website=Reuters}}
[[File:Korean Air 2025 (Taegeuk).svg|thumb|170x170px|Korean Air Taegeuk symbol since 11 March
2025]]
= Rebranding =
On 11 March 2025, as part of its merger with Asiana Airlines, in which the latter brand will be fully absorbed in 2027,{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/korean-air-launches-new-branding-after-13-billion-asiana-acquisition-2025-03-11/|title=Korean Air launches new branding after $1.3 billion Asiana acquisition|date=11 March 2025|access-date=12 March 2025}} Korean Air unveiled its first major corporate rebrand since 1984. The rebranding was done in partnership with design agency Lippincott{{Cite web |date=11 March 2025 |url=https://www.lippincott.com/work/korean-air/|title=Korean Air - Lippincott|access-date=12 March 2025 |website=Lippincott}} and saw the existing "Taegeuk" symbol lose its blue and red color palette in favor of outlined monochromatic dark blue color of the same symbol.{{Cite web |date=11 March 2025 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/korean-air-unveils-new-branding-with-first-logo-change-in-over-40-years/162161.article|title=Korean Air unveils new branding with first logo change in over 40 years|access-date=12 March 2025 |work=FlightGlobal}} It also replaced the wordmark "KOREAN AIR" written in a modified Cooper Black typeface with a sans-serif version named "Hanjin Group Sans" designed by Dalton Maag for the same wordmark (in the case of aircraft liveries, the wordmark is just "KOREAN"). Lippincott notes that reinterpreting the Taegeuk symbol and removing it from the logotype enhances its visibility, and its calligraphic brush-strokes style adds elegance to the new identity. Meanwhile, the new uniforms for Korean and Asiana employees signifying the unified "Korean Air" brand will be introduced in 2027.{{cite news|url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10439114|title=Korean Air unveils new corporate identity ahead of Asiana integration|date=11 March 2025|access-date=12 March 2025|work=The Korea Herald}}
Corporate affairs and identity
= Ownership =
Korean Air is owned by Hanjin Group and it is majority controlled by Hanjin KAL Corporation. Walter Cho, its current chairman and CEO, is the third generation of the family who controls Hanjin KAL to lead the airline. (Hanjin KAL's largest shareholder is Delta Air Lines, at 14.90% ownership.) As of 5 June 2020, Hanjin KAL holds 29.27% of Korean Air shares.
= Hubs and headquarters =
Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 is Korean Air's international hub.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022|reason=Moved from article lede but there isn't a citation and it conflicts with infobox (which lists one airport as a focus city)}}
Korean Air's headquarters (대한항공 빌딩/大韓航空 빌딩) is located on the grounds of Gimpo International Airport in Gonghang-dong, Gangseo District, Seoul.{{cite web |script-title=ko:일반현황 / 기업개요 |url=https://www.koreanair.com/local/jp/gd/kor/au/ci/kor_au_ci_ov.jsp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214071441/https://www.koreanair.com/local/jp/gd/kor/au/ci/kor_au_ci_ov.jsp |archive-date=February 14, 2021 |access-date=September 9, 2010 |publisher=Korean Air}} "주소: 서울 특별시 강서구 공항동 1370번지 대현항공 빌딩" The company also maintains a satellite headquarters campus at Incheon.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}}
Korean Air's other hubs are at Jeju International Airport, Jeju and Gimhae International Airport, Busan. The maintenance facilities are located in Gimhae International Airport. The majority of Korean Air's pilots, ground staff, and flight attendants are based in Seoul and Busan.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}}
= Chaebol and nepotism =
Korean Air has been cited as one of the examples of the South Korean "chaebol" system, wherein corporate conglomerates, established with government support, overreach diverse branches of industry. For much of the time between the foundation of Korean Air as Korean National Airlines in 1946 and the foundation of Asiana Airlines in 1988, Korean Air was the only airline operating in South Korea.
The process of the sale of Korean National Airlines to Hanjin in 1969 was supported by Park Chung Hee, the South Korean military general-turned president who seized power of the country through a military coup d'état; and the monopoly of the airline was secured for two decades until his assassination in 1979.
After widening the chaebol branches, the subsidiary corporations of Korean Air include marine and overland transportation businesses, hotels, and real estate among others; and the previous branches included heavy industry, passenger transportation, construction, and a stockbroking business. The nature of the South Korean chaebol system involves nepotism. A series of incidents involving Korean Air in the 2000s have "revealed an ugly side of the culture within chaebols, South Korea's giant family-run conglomerates".Pasick, Adam (December 9, 2014). "[https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/12/nepotism-in-a-nutshell/383576/ Nepotism in a Nutshell] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116130235/http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/12/nepotism-in-a-nutshell/383576/|date=November 16, 2016}}". The Atlantic. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
= Hotel ownership =
Korean Air owns four hotels: two KAL hotels on Jeju Island, the Hyatt in Incheon, and a hotel/office building called the Wilshire Grand Tower in Los Angeles. This building in downtown Los Angeles houses the largest InterContinental Hotel in the Americas in what is the tallest building in Los Angeles.Vincent, Roger (September 23, 2014) [https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-re-wilshire-grand-intercontinental-20140923-story.html "Hotel under construction in downtown L.A. will be an InterContinental"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214071407/https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-re-wilshire-grand-intercontinental-20140923-story.html|date=February 14, 2021}} Los Angeles Times
= Korean Air Aerospace Division =
File:Korean Air Aerospace 2025.svg
Korean Air is also involved in aerospace research and manufacturing. The division, known as the Korean Air Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD), has manufactured licensed versions of the MD Helicopters MD 500 and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, as well as the Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II fighter aircraft,{{cite report |last1=Cho |first1=Myeong-Chin |title=Restructuring of Korea's Defense Aerospace Industry: Challenges and Opportunities? (Paper series No. 28) |date=February 2003 |publisher=Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) |location=Bonn, Germany |pages=16–17 |url=https://www.bicc.de/uploads/tx_bicctools/paper28.pdf |access-date=27 September 2023}} the aft fuselage and wings for the KF-16 fighter aircraft manufactured by Korean Aerospace Industries and parts for various commercial aircraft including the Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner; and the Airbus A330 and Airbus A380.[http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-koreanairside18feb18,1,3102258.story?ctrack=1&cset=true Carrier moonlights in aerospace] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214071431/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-feb-18-fi-koreanairside18-story.html|date=February 14, 2021}}. Los Angeles Times. (February 18, 2007). In 1991, the division designed and flew the Korean Air Chang-Gong 91 light aircraft. KAA also provides aircraft maintenance support for the United States Department of Defense in Asia and maintains a research division with focuses on launch vehicles, satellites, commercial aircraft, military aircraft, helicopters, and simulation systems.[http://www.kal-asd.com/ Korean Air Aerospace Division Official Website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929071031/http://www.kal-asd.com/|date=September 29, 2007}}. Kal-asd.com.
In October 2012, a development deal between Bombardier Aerospace and a government-led South Korean consortium was announced, aiming to develop a 90-seat turboprop regional airliner, targeting a 2019 launch date. The consortium would have included Korea Aerospace Industries and Korean Air.{{cite news |last=Choi |first=Kyong-Ae |date=October 8, 2012 |title=South Korea Consortium in Talks With Bombardier About Developing Passenger Plane |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390444445904578043694075240544 |url-status=live |access-date=December 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319032707/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390444445904578043694075240544 |archive-date=March 19, 2016}} While this plan did not come to fruition, in 2019, Korean Aerospace Industries nevertheless decided to conduct a two-year study to assess the feasibility of taking the lead on building a turboprop airliner.{{cite news |last=Waldron |first=Greg |date=January 28, 2019 |title=KAI to explore feasibility of regional airliner |newspaper=FlightGlobal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/programmes/kai-to-explore-feasibility-of-regional-airliner/131135.article |url-status=live |access-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928231456/https://www.flightglobal.com/programmes/kai-to-explore-feasibility-of-regional-airliner/131135.article |archive-date=September 28, 2020}}
Destinations
{{Main|List of Korean Air destinations}}
= Interline agreements =
Korean Air has interline agreements with the following airlines:
{{div col|colwidth=18em}}
- Air Astana{{cite web|url=https://airastana.com/global-en/information/airline-partners|title=Airline Partners|publisher=Air Astana|access-date=14 July 2024}}
- Air Premia{{cite web|url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20240527028400003?input=1195m|script-title=ko:에어프레미아, 대한항공과 동북아·동남아 연계노선 티켓 판매|trans-title=Air Premia, signs interline agreement with Korean Air to sales for Northeast Asia-Southeast Asia links|publisher=Yonhap News Agency|date=27 May 2024 |language=Korean}}
- JetBlue{{cite web|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jetblue-and-korean-air-announce-new-interline-agreement-to-connect-customers-between-asia-and-north-america-140728143.html|title=JetBlue and Korean Air Announce New Interline Agreement to Connect Customers Between Asia and North America|publisher=PR Newswire|date=28 February 2012|access-date=March 23, 2019|archive-date=March 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323080806/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jetblue-and-korean-air-announce-new-interline-agreement-to-connect-customers-between-asia-and-north-america-140728143.html|url-status=live}}
{{Div col end}}
Korean Air is also an airline partner of Skywards, the frequent-flyer program for Emirates. Skywards members can earn miles for flying Korean Air and can redeem miles for free flights.
Fleet
= Current fleet =
{{As of|2025|5}}, Korean Air operates the following aircraft:{{cite web|url=https://www.koreanair.com/kr/en/in-flight/aircraft|title=Fleet|website=Korean Air|access-date=January 17, 2017|archive-date=January 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118051332/https://www.koreanair.com/global/en/traveling/aircraft-info.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.koreanair.com/global/en/traveling/business-jet-services.html#_|title=Business Jet Services|publisher=Korean Air|access-date=August 18, 2016|archive-date=August 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826123359/https://www.koreanair.com/global/en/traveling/business-jet-services.html#_|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://atis.koca.go.kr/ATIS/aircraft/forwardPage.do?pageUrl=aircraftRegStat01|script-title=ko:항공기 등록현황|language=ko|website=Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Korea|access-date=August 7, 2020|archive-date=September 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929010059/http://atis.koca.go.kr/ATIS/aircraft/forwardPage.do?pageUrl=aircraftRegStat01|url-status=live}}
= Fleet development =
At the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines Assembly in 2018, Korean Air announced that it was considering a new large wide-body aircraft order to replace older Airbus A330, Boeing 747-400, Boeing 777-200ER, and Boeing 777-300. Types under consideration for replacement of older wide-body aircraft in the fleet include the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350 XWB.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-10-19/korean-air-mulling-large-widebody-jet-order-for-expansion|title=Korean Air Mulling 'Large' Widebody Jet Order for Expansion|date=19 October 2018|publisher=Bloomberg|access-date=February 19, 2019|archive-date=February 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220002829/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-10-19/korean-air-mulling-large-widebody-jet-order-for-expansion|url-status=live}} At the International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting (IATA AGM) in Seoul, Chairman Walter Cho said Korean Air's wide-body order is imminent and it is considering an extra order of Airbus A220 aircraft including the developing version Airbus A220-500.{{cite news|url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/78911-korean-air-widebody-order-imminent-eyes-more-a220s|title=Korean Air widebody order "imminent", eyes more A220s|date=11 June 2019|publisher=Ch-Aviation|access-date=June 12, 2019|archive-date=June 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612013842/https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/78911-korean-air-widebody-order-imminent-eyes-more-a220s|url-status=live}}
In 2022, Korean Air was considering ordering a new freighter to continue the support cargo demand worldwide. Chairman of Korean Air Walter Cho said KAL is considering two options.{{cite news|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/iata-agm-2022/korean-ponders-move-for-new-freighters/149092.article|title=Korean ponders move for new freighters|date=22 June 2022|publisher=FlightGlobal}}{{cite news|url=https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/freighter-operator/korean-ponders-move-for-new-freighters/|title=Korean ponders move for new freighters|date=23 June 2022|publisher=Air Cargo News}}
=Gallery<!-- Shouldn't there be an updated image of a Korean Air Boeing 787-10 with the current livery, like HL8515? -->=
File:Korean Air A220-300 (HL8312) at Narita International Airport.jpg|Airbus A220-300
File:Korean Air HL8557 A321-272NX HND 26-09-2024 (1).jpg|Airbus A321neo
File:Korean Air Airbus A330-200; HL7538@LAX;10.10.2011 622ld (6482487389).jpg|Airbus A330-200
File:Korean Air Airbus A330-300; HL7584@HKG;04.08.2011 615lt (6207877454).jpg|Airbus A330-300
File:Korean Air Airbus A380-861; HL7612@HKG;04.08.2011 615dq (6207233991).jpg|Airbus A380-800
File:HL8241 - Korean Air Lines - Boeing 737-8BK(WL) - TAO (13950726091).jpg|Boeing 737-800
File:HL7725@PEK (20191211164812).jpg|Boeing 737-900
File:HL8221 B737-800 Korean Air (7567040074).jpg|Boeing 737-900ER
File:HL8350@PEK (20230912090939).jpg|Boeing 737 MAX 8
File:"Korean Air Cargo" B-747 Hl7602 (3794356336).jpg|Boeing 747-400ERF
File:Boeing 747-8HTF ‘HL7610’ Korean Air Cargo (31227420953).jpg|Boeing 747-8F
File:Korean Air Lines Boeing 747-8 (HL7633) at Frankfurt Airport.jpg|Boeing 747-8I
File:Ken H. KAL B777-300 on final for R-W16L. (7618853358).jpg|Boeing 777-300
File:Korean Air Boeing 777-300ER HL8008 departing Boston, April 2025.jpg|Boeing 777-300ER
File:12042016 Korean Air Cargo HL8005 B772F PANC FLARE NASEDIT (27908733508).jpg|Boeing 777F
File:HL8083@HKG (20181006121139).jpg|Boeing 787-9
= Retired fleet =
Korean Air has operated the following aircraft:{{cite web|url=https://news.koreanair.com/%eb%8c%80%ed%95%9c%ed%95%ad%ea%b3%b5-50%eb%85%84-%eb%b3%b4%ec%9c%a0-%ed%95%ad%ea%b3%b5%ea%b8%b0-%eb%b3%80%ec%b2%9c%ec%82%ac1-19601980%eb%85%84%eb%8c%80/|script-title=ko:대한항공 50년 보유 항공기 변천사(1) 1960~1980년대|website=Korean Air|language=ko|date=30 April 2019|access-date=July 18, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803034324/https://news.koreanair.com/%eb%8c%80%ed%95%9c%ed%95%ad%ea%b3%b5-50%eb%85%84-%eb%b3%b4%ec%9c%a0-%ed%95%ad%ea%b3%b5%ea%b8%b0-%eb%b3%80%ec%b2%9c%ec%82%ac1-19601980%eb%85%84%eb%8c%80/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://news.koreanair.com/%eb%8c%80%ed%95%9c%ed%95%ad%ea%b3%b5-50%eb%85%84-%eb%b3%b4%ec%9c%a0-%ed%95%ad%ea%b3%b5%ea%b8%b0-%eb%b3%80%ec%b2%9c%ec%82%ac2-1990%eb%85%84%eb%8c%80-%ed%98%84%ec%9e%ac/|script-title=ko:대한항공 50년 보유 항공기 변천사(2) 1990년대 ~ 현재|website=Korean Air|language=ko|date=30 April 2019|access-date=July 18, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803014300/https://news.koreanair.com/%eb%8c%80%ed%95%9c%ed%95%ad%ea%b3%b5-50%eb%85%84-%eb%b3%b4%ec%9c%a0-%ed%95%ad%ea%b3%b5%ea%b8%b0-%eb%b3%80%ec%b2%9c%ec%82%ac2-1990%eb%85%84%eb%8c%80-%ed%98%84%ec%9e%ac/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://atis.koca.go.kr/ATIS/aircraft/forwardPage.do?pageUrl=aircraftRegStat08|script-title=ko:연도별 도입 현황|trans-title=Annual introduction status|language=ko|website=Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea|access-date=August 7, 2020|archive-date=September 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929010720/http://atis.koca.go.kr/ATIS/aircraft/forwardPage.do?pageUrl=aircraftRegStat08|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://atis.koca.go.kr/ATIS/aircraft/forwardPage.do?pageUrl=aircraftRegStat09|script-title=ko:연도별 말소 현황|trans-title=Annual obliteration status|language=ko|website=Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea|access-date=August 7, 2020|archive-date=August 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823194730/http://atis.koca.go.kr/ATIS/aircraft/forwardPage.do?pageUrl=aircraftRegStat09|url-status=live}}
Services
= Cabins =
Korean Air currently offers three types of first class, four types of business (Prestige) class, and one standard economy class.{{cite web|url=https://www.koreanair.com/global/en/traveling/classes-of-service.html|title=On-Board / Classes of Service|website=Korean Air|access-date=January 16, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102072810/https://www.koreanair.com/global/en/traveling/classes-of-service.html|url-status=live}} Korean Air operates First Class on all of its Airbus A380-800s, Boeing 747-8Is, and part of its Boeing 777-300ER fleet. Some seats are equipped as suites with doors.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}} The airline markets Business Class as "Prestige Class", with some aircraft equipped with suites.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}} The airline announced its introduction of Premium Economy in 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20170227135400003?input=1195m|script-title=ko:조원태 대한항공 사장 "프리미엄 이코노미석 도입 검토"|publisher=Yonhap News Agency|language=ko|date=27 December 2017|access-date=January 16, 2020|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802232157/https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20170227135400003?input=1195m|url-status=live}} The first aircraft equipped with premium economy marketed as "Economy Plus" was CS300 (Airbus A220-300).{{cite web|url=https://www.rustourismnews.com/2017/12/28/korean-air-introducing-premium-economy-seating-to-its-fleet/|title=Korean Air Introducing Premium Economy Seating to Its Fleet|publisher=Rus Tourism News|date=28 December 2017|access-date=January 16, 2020|archive-date=January 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116033837/https://www.rustourismnews.com/2017/12/28/korean-air-introducing-premium-economy-seating-to-its-fleet/|url-status=live}} The product was eliminated in 2019 due to discordance of service and profit loss.{{cite web|url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20190522155500003?input=1195m|script-title=ko:대한항공, 내달 10일부터 '이코노미 플러스석' 폐지|publisher=Yonhap News Agency|language=ko|date=22 May 2019|access-date=January 16, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803035406/https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20190522155500003?input=1195m|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://kor.theasian.asia/archives/222043|script-title=ko:대한항공, 6월10일부터 '이코노미 플러스석' 폐지···예매 고객 '차액 환불'|publisher=The Asian|language=ko|date=23 May 2019|access-date=January 16, 2020|archive-date=January 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116033644/http://kor.theasian.asia/archives/222043|url-status=live}} The airline also offers Economy Class.
= In-flight catering =
File:KE897 ICN to PVG Economy Class Meal 20240502121041.jpg
Korean Air offers a diverse in-flight catering service, providing passengers with a selection of both traditional Korean dishes and Western meals. The airlines also provides Chinese cuisine on certain flights. The specific offerings can vary depending on the flight route and class of service. In Economy Class, passengers can enjoy Korean options like bibimbap, served with gochujang and sesame oil, or bulgogi rice, while Western selections include grilled beef tenderloin and roasted cod. Chinese options include stir fried snapper with chili sauce. Prestige Class (Business Class) enhances these offerings with options like tuna bibimbap, Korean spicy seafood stew and upgraded versions of Western meals with enhanced presentation and sides. Stir fried ling fish with oyster sauce is available as one of the Chinese options. First Class provides premium dishes such as Korean spicy pork, spicy beef short ribs with bulgogi sauce, and braised pork belly. Western options include veal chop with madeira sauce and seared monkfish with orang teriyaki sauce, and sirloin steak. Previously, Korean Air offered instant cup noodles as a mid-flight snack in Economy Class. However, due to safety concerns related to turbulence, this option has been discontinued.{{Cite web |date=August 13, 2024 |title=Korean Air removes popular instant noodles from the in-flight menu |url=https://www.falstaff.com/en/news/korean-air-removes-popular-instant-noodles-from-the-in-flight-menu |access-date=March 25, 2025 |website=Falstaff}} However, in Business and First Class cabins, the option to order instant noodles remains available. Alternative snacks such as pizza, sandwiches, corn dogs, and hot pockets are now available at a snack bar for Economy Class passengers.
= In-flight entertainment =
Korean Air’s business class offers high-quality in-flight entertainment with large personal screens, varying by aircraft. The Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner features 23.8-inch UHD monitors,{{Cite web |last=Zhang |first=Ricky |title=Review: Korean Air’s New Business Class Vancouver to Seoul |url=https://princeoftravel.com/reviews/review-korean-airs-new-business-class-vancouver-to-seoul/ |access-date=March 25, 2025 |website=Prince of travel}} while the Airbus A321neo has 24-inch 4K screens with Bluetooth support. Other aircraft, like the Boeing 777 and 787-9, have 15.4-inch to 18-inch screens, depending on the seat type.
The entertainment system provides a diverse selection of movies, TV shows, dramas, music (including K-pop and classical), and interactive games. Some aircraft offer Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones and Wi-Fi for internet access.
Awards
- 2020 Skytrax Awards - 5-Star Airline Rating{{Cite web |title=Korean Air is certified as a 5-Star Airline - Skytrax |url=https://skytraxratings.com/airlines/korean-air-rating |access-date= |website=Skytrax}}
- 2021 Airline of the Year - Air Transport World (ATW){{Cite web |title=Korean Air Is ATW's Airline Of The Year {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airlines-lessors/korean-air-atws-airline-year |access-date=2022-09-19 |website=aviationweek.com}}
- 2022 Cargo Airline of the Year Award - AirlineRatings.com{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Geoffrey |date=2022-04-24 |title=Korean Air wins ATW's Cargo Airline of the Year |url=https://www.airlineratings.com/news/korean-air-wins-atws-cargo-airline-year/ |access-date=2022-09-19 |website=Airline Ratings |language=en-AU}}
- 2022 Cargo Operator of the Year - Air Transport World (ATW){{Cite web |title=ATW 2022 Cargo Operator Of The Year: Korean Air {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airlines-lessors/atw-2022-cargo-operator-year-korean-air |access-date=2022-09-19 |website=aviationweek.com}}
- 2023 Best Business-Class Seat Design - Global Traveler's Tested Reader Survey Awards
- 2023 Best Airline Cuisine - Global Traveler’s Tested Reader Survey Awards{{Cite web |last=O'Riordan |first=Aofie |date=March 19, 2024 |title=Global Traveler Celebrates the 2023 Winners of the GT Tested Reader Survey Awards |url=https://www.globaltravelerusa.com/global-traveler-celebrates-the-2023-winners-of-the-gt-tested-reader-survey-awards/ |website=Global Traveler}}
- 2023 Best Frequent-Flyer Redemption Award (SKYPASS) - Global Traveler’s Tested Reader Survey Awards
- 2024 Best Airline Onboard Service award - Global Traveler’s Tested Reader Survey Awards{{Cite web |date=December 10, 2024 |title=Korean Air named best airline for onboard service |url=https://asianaviation.com/korean-air-named-best-airline-for-onboard-service/#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20Korean%20Air%20won,over%20the%20past%20two%20years. |access-date=January 13, 2025 |website=Asian Aviation}}
- 2025 Airline of the Year - AirlineRatings.com{{Cite web |last=Petersen |first=Sharon |date=February 8, 2025 |title=Korean Air Crowned AirlineRatings Airline of the Year for 2025 |url=https://www.airlineratings.com/articles/korean-air-crowned-airlineratings-airline-of-the-year-for-2025 |website=airlineratings.com}}
Incidents and accidents
{{Main|Korean Air incidents and accidents}}
Safety has significantly improved since the 1990's as the airline made concerted efforts to improve standards in the early 21st century. In 2001, the Federal Aviation Administration upgraded Korea's air-safety rating while Korean Air passed an International Air Transport Association audit in 2005.{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Bruce |date=2006-01-09 |title=Korean Air Bucks Tradition To Fix Problems |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB113676875085241209 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411203736/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB113676875085241209 |archive-date=April 11, 2019 |access-date=2019-04-11 |website=The Wall Street Journal |language=en-US}}
Between 1970 and 1999, many fatal incidents occurred. Since 1970, 17 Korean Air aircraft have been written off in serious incidents and accidents with the loss of 700 lives. Two Korean Air aircraft were shot down by the Soviet Union for violating Soviet airspace, one operating as Korean Air Lines Flight 902 and the other as Korean Air Lines Flight 007.
Korean Air's deadliest incident was Flight 007 which was shot down by the Soviet Union on September 1, 1983. All 269 people on board were killed, including a sitting U.S. Congressman, Larry McDonald.
The last fatal passenger accident was the Korean Air Flight 801 crash in 1997, which killed 229 people of the 254 people aboard including Shin Ki-ha, a South Korean parliamentarian.{{Cite web |title=Korean Air Flt 801 – Official Guam Crash Site Information Web Center |url=http://ns.gov.gu/guam/indexmain.html |access-date=2019-01-11 |website=ns.gov.gu}}{{cite news |title=Rescuers search smoldering jet wreckage in Guam for survivors |work=CNN |url=http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9708/05/guam.late/ |url-status=dead |access-date=March 6, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050306010328/http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9708/05/guam.late/ |archive-date=March 6, 2005}}{{cite web |last=Gargan |first=Edward A. |date=August 7, 1997 |title=For Relatives Of Victims, Anger Adds To Anguish |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage-9801E1DC173CF934A3575BC0A961958260.html |access-date=February 5, 2018 |via=NYTimes.com}} The National Transportation Safety Board concluded that poor communication between the flight crew as the probable cause for the air crash, along with the captain's poor decision-making on the non-precision approach.{{cite web |date=January 13, 2000 |title=Controlled Flight Into Terrain, Korean Air Flight 801, Boeing 747-300, HL7468, Nimitz Hill, Guam, August 6, 1997 |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAR0001.pdf |access-date=October 19, 2015 |website=ntsb.gov |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board |location=Washington D.C. |id=NTSB/AAR-00/01}}{{Cite news |last=Coleman |first=Joseph |date=August 13, 1997 |title=Guam Crash Aftermath Upsets Kin |work=The Seattle Times |publisher=Associated Press |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19970813/2554557/guam-crash-aftermath-upsets-kin}}"[http://archives.starbulletin.com/2001/12/28/business/story3.html Korean Air resumes service to Guam for the first time in 4 years]." Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Friday December 28, 2001. Retrieved on April 29, 2009.Wiechmann, Lori. "[http://www.onlineathens.com/1997/081297/0812.korean.html Last member of Atlanta family on downed Korean jet dies]{{dead link|date=December 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}." Athens Daily News. August 12, 1997. Retrieved on July 1, 2011.
The last crew fatalities were in the crash of Korean Air Cargo Flight 8509 in 1999 due to instrument malfunction and pilot error.{{cite web |title=Korean Air Cargo Flight 8509 incident report |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19991222-0 |access-date=10 July 2011 |publisher=Aviation Safety Network}}{{Cite web |date=June 2003 |title=Report on the accident to Boeing 747-2B5F, HL-7451 near London Stansted Airport on 22 December 1999 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5422f0a5ed915d13710002fb/3-2003_HL-7451.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608093410/http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/3-2003%20HL-7451.pdf |archive-date=8 June 2012 |access-date=10 July 2011 |publisher=Air Accident Investigation Branch}}
The last aircraft write-off occurred in 2022, when Korean Air Flight 631 overran the runway at Cebu, Philippines while attempting to land under poor weather conditions.{{Cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=ASN Aircraft accident Airbus A330-322 HL7525 Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) |url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20221023-0 |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=aviation-safety.net}}
In a 2023 "landmark decision", the state-affiliated Korea Worker's Compensation and Welfare Service ruled that the cancer death of a flight attendant was akin to an industrial accident. The plaintiff had flown for 25 years on routes to Europe and America, which exposed workers to more cosmic radiation because Earth's magnetic field is weaker over the North Pole. Korean Air said it monitors and limits individual radiation exposure to less than 6mSv a year. The plaintiff's attorney contends that the company uses an old measuring method. The ruling panel said that the method employed by Korean Air could have downplayed the extent of radiation exposure and that the flight attendant could have been exposed to over 100mSv of radiation.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-07 |title=Korean Air says 'strictly manages' radiation exposure after crew death ruling |url=https://www.kpvi.com/news/national_news/korean-air-says-strictly-manages-radiation-exposure-after-crew-death-ruling/article_a72c9de1-9864-5217-9604-24064d86a77c.html |website=KPVI}}
See also
{{Portal|Companies|South Korea}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category inline|Korean Air}}
- {{Official website|www.koreanair.com/us/en}}
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