Korean Air

Corporate brand

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South Korea’s flag carrier and largest airline, a founding member of SkyTeam and SkyTeam Cargo.

Last updated November 1, 2026

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Overview

Korean Air is the flag carrier of South Korea and the principal aviation company of Hanjin Group. Its modern corporate history begins on 1 March 1969, when Hanjin acquired the government-owned Korean Air Lines, although the state airline itself had been established in 1962 after the government took over Korean National Airlines. The company is headquartered in Seoul and operates a full-service passenger and cargo network centered on Incheon International Airport, with additional hubs and operating bases at Gimhae and Jeju. The airline expanded from a predominantly regional carrier into a global operator during the 1970s. It introduced long-haul freight service across the Pacific in 1971, began passenger flights to Los Angeles in 1972, and adopted Boeing 747 aircraft for trans-Pacific services in 1973. European service followed, and Korean Air became an early Asian operator of Airbus aircraft when it acquired A300s in 1975. Its cargo business subsequently became an important part of the group’s international aviation platform, supported by dedicated facilities including a cargo terminal at Los Angeles International Airport. In 1984, the company changed its name from Korean Air Lines to Korean Air and introduced the blue-and-silver identity built around a stylized Taegeuk symbol. The new name and visual system helped position the airline as a modern international brand. Korean Air later operated Boeing 747, 747-400, 777, 787, Airbus A300, A330 and A380 aircraft, among others, while also converting selected aircraft for freight operations. Its frequent-flyer program is SKYPASS, and its international partnerships include extensive codesharing and alliance relationships. Korean Air was one of the founding airlines of SkyTeam in 2000, together with Aeroméxico, Air France and Delta Air Lines, and also helped establish SkyTeam Cargo. The company has pursued a premium, full-service positioning based on long-haul connectivity, business-class service, cargo capability and South Korean national identity. It has also operated businesses and subsidiaries connected with low-cost aviation, aircraft maintenance, aerospace manufacturing, hotels and other transportation activities within the broader Hanjin structure. The airline experienced a severe reputational crisis in the 1990s because of a series of fatal accidents and concerns about pilot training, operational discipline and safety oversight. Partners suspended or reconsidered relationships, and South Korea’s aviation safety rating was downgraded by the United States Federal Aviation Administration in 2001. Korean Air responded with substantial changes to training, fleet investment, technology, procedures and management culture, including the use of outside expertise. Its safety reputation subsequently improved substantially. Korean Air announced in 2020 that it would acquire Asiana Airlines. Regulatory review delayed the transaction, and the original structure was revised after competition concerns, including objections in the United States. Korean Air completed the purchase of a 63.88% stake in Asiana on 12 December 2024. The transaction made Korean Air the dominant South Korean full-service airline and began a long integration process, with the Asiana brand planned for absorption into Korean Air in 2027 according to the cited reference material. In March 2025, Korean Air presented its first major corporate identity update since 1984. The redesigned identity retained the Taegeuk concept but rendered it in a monochromatic dark-blue outline, introduced a sans-serif wordmark and adopted Korean Air Sans for the brand typography. The change was presented as part of the post-acquisition integration and modernization of the airline’s international identity. Korean Air remains an active, publicly listed airline with passenger, cargo, maintenance and aerospace interests, and is recognized internationally for its long-haul network and cargo operations.

History

Korean Air’s roots lie in Korean National Airlines, founded in 1946. In 1962, the South Korean government acquired the airline and renamed it Korean Air Lines, creating a state-owned national carrier. On 1 March 1969, Hanjin Group acquired the airline, an event generally treated as the beginning of the modern Korean Air business. The company’s first major international expansion focused on freight and trans-Pacific connectivity. Long-haul cargo flights began in 1971, followed by passenger service to Los Angeles in 1972. Boeing 747 aircraft entered service in 1973, supporting trans-Pacific routes and the airline’s first European operations. Korean Air added Airbus A300 aircraft in 1975, making it one of the earlier Asian airlines to operate Airbus equipment. A cargo terminal at Los Angeles International Airport opened in 1981. Because South Korean aircraft were then restricted from flying over North Korean and Soviet airspace, some European routes followed lengthy eastbound routings through Anchorage. The airline changed its public identity in 1984, adopting the name Korean Air and a blue-and-silver livery with a Taegeuk-based logo. During the 1990s it expanded its wide-body fleet, including Boeing 747-400s and McDonnell Douglas MD-11s. Some aircraft were later converted or reassigned to cargo service when their passenger economics did not meet the airline’s requirements. The late twentieth century was dominated by safety challenges. Between 1970 and 1999, the airline lost numerous aircraft in serious incidents and accidents, with more than 700 fatalities reported in the cited reference material. Investigations and public criticism identified shortcomings involving training, cockpit practices, oversight and organizational culture. The 1997 crash of Korean Air Flight 801 and the 1999 Korean Air Cargo Flight 6316 accident intensified scrutiny. Delta suspended codesharing in 1999, explicitly citing safety concerns, while Air Canada and Air France also discontinued or changed relationships. In 2001, the FAA downgraded South Korea’s aviation safety rating and restricted expansion by South Korean carriers. Korean Air undertook a broad reform program during the following decade. Measures included investment in aircraft and navigation technology, revised procedures, stronger training, changes to internal culture and consultation with Boeing and Delta Air Lines. By the early 2000s the airline had been removed from several informal partner ‘shun lists’, and its safety reputation improved markedly. On 23 June 2000, Korean Air joined Aeroméxico, Air France and Delta in founding SkyTeam; SkyTeam Cargo followed in September of the same year. In 2007, Korean Air announced the creation of Jin Air, a lower-cost subsidiary intended to compete with rail and low-fare air services. Jin Air began scheduled operations in 2008. Korean Air also developed its cargo presence through facilities and hubs outside South Korea, including a cargo terminal at Navoi International Airport in Uzbekistan. The company continued to use partnerships and brand marketing to broaden its international profile. It acquired a 44% stake in Czech Airlines in 2013 and sold that holding in 2017. Korean Air and Delta launched a joint venture in 2018. In 2019, the airline used the K-pop group SuperM in a safety-video and aircraft-livery campaign. Korean Air was recognized by Skytrax as a five-star airline in 2023. The acquisition of Asiana became the defining strategic event of the 2020s. Announced during the pandemic in November 2020, the transaction faced competition reviews in several jurisdictions and was delayed. Korean Air ultimately completed the purchase of a 63.88% stake on 12 December 2024. Integration is expected to combine the country’s two largest full-service airlines while separately rationalizing their low-cost-carrier operations. In March 2025, Korean Air introduced a major visual rebrand. The new identity kept the Taegeuk motif but used a simplified monochromatic treatment and a sans-serif wordmark. The redesign supports the airline’s post-merger positioning, while a unified employee-uniform system is expected to be introduced in 2027. Korean Air also expanded its international aviation interests through the reported acquisition of a 10% stake in WestJet in 2025. Its business today spans passenger aviation, air cargo, aerospace manufacturing, aircraft maintenance and associated hospitality activities.

2025
Corporate rebrand unveiled
[1]Korean Airen.wikipedia.org
Korean Air presented a new Taegeuk identity, wordmark and typography system.
2024
Asiana acquisition completed
[1]Korean Airen.wikipedia.org
Korean Air completed the purchase of a controlling 63.88% stake in Asiana Airlines.
2018
Delta joint venture launched
[1]Korean Airen.wikipedia.org
Korean Air and Delta Air Lines began a joint venture partnership.
2008
Jin Air begins scheduled service
[1]Korean Airen.wikipedia.org
The low-cost carrier established by Korean Air began passenger operations.
2000
SkyTeam founded
[1]Korean Airen.wikipedia.org
Korean Air became a founding member of SkyTeam and subsequently SkyTeam Cargo.
1984
Name and identity change
[1]Korean Airen.wikipedia.org
Korean Air Lines became Korean Air and introduced its Taegeuk-centered corporate identity.
1975
Airbus operations begin
[1]Korean Airen.wikipedia.org
Korean Air acquired Airbus A300 aircraft for Asian routes.
1973
Boeing 747 introduced
[1]Korean Airen.wikipedia.org
Boeing 747 aircraft entered trans-Pacific operations and supported European expansion.
1972
Los Angeles passenger service
[1]Korean Airen.wikipedia.org
The airline began passenger service to Los Angeles International Airport.
1971
Trans-Pacific cargo begins
[1]Korean Airen.wikipedia.org
Korean Air introduced long-haul freight operations across the Pacific.
1969
Hanjin acquisition
[1]Korean Airen.wikipedia.org
Hanjin Group acquired the government-owned airline, establishing the modern Korean Air business.
1962
State-owned Korean Air Lines established
[1]Korean Airen.wikipedia.org
The South Korean government acquired Korean National Airlines and renamed it Korean Air Lines.

Products and positioning

Premium full-service international airline with a strong South Korean national identity, extensive long-haul connectivity and a significant cargo business.

Scheduled air transport · 1962
Passenger airline
Korean Air operates scheduled domestic and international passenger services using a wide-body and narrow-body fleet. Its network connects South Korea with major destinations across Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania and other international markets. The offering is positioned as full service, with multiple cabin classes, airport lounges, onboard service and alliance or codeshare connectivity.
Air freight · 1971
Korean Air Cargo
The cargo division provides international air-freight transportation supported by dedicated cargo aircraft, converted freighters, airport terminals and a global logistics network. Its long-haul cargo activity began in 1971 and has remained a major part of Korean Air’s international aviation business.
Frequent-flyer program
SKYPASS
SKYPASS is Korean Air’s loyalty program. It supports mileage earning and redemption connected with Korean Air flights and selected partner services, and forms part of the airline’s relationship and premium-travel offering.
Aerospace manufacturing and maintenance
Korean Air Aerospace Division
The aerospace division has manufactured or assembled aircraft and helicopter components, supported military and commercial aviation programs, and conducted research involving aircraft, satellites, launch vehicles and simulation. Its work has included licensed helicopter production, fighter-aircraft structures and parts for Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
Hospitality
Hotels and hospitality assets
Within the Hanjin group structure, Korean Air has owned or operated hospitality-related assets including a hotel in Jeju, a Hyatt property in Incheon and the Wilshire Grand complex in Los Angeles.

Controversies

2026
Amadeus breach exposes airline booking data
A breach involving Amadeus reservation systems exposed booking or passenger information associated with Cathay Pacific and other airlines. Cathay Pacific said its own IT systems and flight operations were unaffected. The article reports that investigations were ongoing and that Amadeus had not confirmed the full scope of exposure across its airline customers.
Source
2018
Family governance and chaebol criticism
Further incidents involving members of the controlling family intensified criticism of Korean Air’s governance, workplace culture and the broader chaebol system.
Source
2014
Nut rage incident
Cho Hyun-ah ordered a Korean Air aircraft back to its gate after a dispute over how nuts were served and the handling of a flight attendant. She resigned from relevant duties and was later arrested and prosecuted under South Korean aviation laws.
Source
1999
Safety record and operating-culture crisis
A succession of serious accidents and incidents made Korean Air a prominent target of international safety criticism. Partner airlines suspended or reconsidered cooperation, and South Korean aviation oversight was also criticized. The company later implemented extensive training, technology, fleet and cultural reforms.
Source

2025Korean Air visual identity redesign
Global
The airline introduced a simplified Taegeuk symbol, new wordmark and Korean Air Sans typography as part of its integration and modernization following the Asiana acquisition.
Outcome. The new identity became the foundation for the post-merger brand system; unified uniforms were planned for 2027.
Source
2019SuperM safety video and aircraft livery
International
Korean Air featured K-pop group SuperM in a safety video using the song “Let’s Go Everywhere” and applied related graphics to a Boeing 777-300ER.
Outcome. The campaign linked the airline’s safety communication with Korean popular culture and international tourism branding.
Source
2010StarCraft II aircraft co-marketing
South Korea · International
Korean Air partnered with Blizzard Entertainment and applied StarCraft II branding to selected Boeing aircraft as a co-marketing initiative.
Outcome. Branding was used on aircraft operating in the Korean Air network.
Source

Brand decisions

2025
Refresh corporate identityStrategy
Background
The Asiana acquisition created a need for a unified and internationally consistent brand system.
Action taken
Korean Air introduced a monochromatic Taegeuk symbol, a sans-serif wordmark and Korean Air Sans typography.
Aftermath
The identity became the planned platform for post-merger brand integration, with unified uniforms expected in 2027.
Source
2024
Complete Asiana acquisitionM&A
Background
After regulatory scrutiny and changes to the original merger plan, Korean Air proceeded with the purchase of a controlling interest in Asiana Airlines.
Action taken
It completed the purchase of 63.88% of Asiana Airlines on 12 December 2024.
Aftermath
Korean Air became the dominant South Korean full-service airline and began a multi-year integration expected to absorb the Asiana brand in 2027.
Acquired ownership stake. 63.88% (12 December 2024)
Source
2020
Pursue Asiana Airlines acquisitionM&A
Background
The South Korean government announced the transaction during the COVID-19 crisis to address Asiana’s financial difficulties and consolidate the country’s airline sector.
Action taken
Korean Air began the process of acquiring Asiana, later revising the structure to address regulatory concerns.
Aftermath
The transaction was delayed by international competition reviews and completed in December 2024.
Reported transaction value. 1.5 trillion South Korean won (2024)
Source
2018
Launch Delta joint ventureStrategy
Background
Korean Air and Delta Air Lines sought deeper commercial coordination across their networks.
Action taken
The airlines launched a joint venture partnership.
Aftermath
The partnership strengthened Korean Air’s North American connectivity and SkyTeam position.
Source
2013
Acquire stake in Czech AirlinesM&A
Background
Korean Air pursued a European aviation investment and acquired a 44% stake in Czech Airlines.
Action taken
It purchased the reported minority stake.
Aftermath
Korean Air sold the stake in October 2017.
Source
2007
Create a low-cost subsidiaryStrategy
Background
Korean Air sought a lower-fare response to competition from high-speed rail and other low-cost aviation services in South Korea.
Action taken
It announced the creation of Jin Air, which began scheduled passenger operations in 2008.
Aftermath
Jin Air became a distinct low-cost airline associated with the Hanjin aviation portfolio.
Source

Recent events

2025
Korean Air unveils corporate rebrand[1]Korean Airen.wikipedia.org
Campaign
The airline introduced a redesigned Taegeuk identity, new wordmark and Korean Air Sans as part of its post-acquisition brand integration.
2025
Korean Air takes stake in WestJet[1]Korean Airen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Reference material reports that Korean Air acquired a 10% shareholding in Canadian airline WestJet.
2024
Asiana acquisition completed[1]Korean Airen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Korean Air completed the purchase of a 63.88% stake in Asiana Airlines on 12 December 2024 after extended regulatory review.
2023
Korean Air receives Skytrax five-star rating[1]Korean Airen.wikipedia.org
Other
Korean Air was certified as a five-star airline by Skytrax.
2020
Korean Air and Asiana Airlines transaction announced[1]Korean Airen.wikipedia.org
M&A
South Korea announced that Korean Air would acquire financially distressed competitor Asiana Airlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sources12 sources

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