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Korean Air upgrades airport lounges
Korean Air announced two new initiatives under its current service enhancement strategy, involving improvements to airport lounges and new cabins for aircraft. The South Korean flag-carrier will be implementing upgrades at its airport lounges and introducing Premium Economy cabins. This initiative follows the unveiling of its new corporate identity ahead of the Asiana integration. Based on current plans, the airline will expand and renovate its existing lounges at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2. New Prestige Class Garden Lounges will be built in both the east and west wings at Incheon; both areas were added during the airport’s Phase 4 expansion. These enhancements will accommodate increased passenger traffic following the airport expansion and the relocation of Asiana Airlines into Terminal 2. Bigger and better The existing Prestige Class Lounge in the east wing will double in size, while the Miler Club Lounge will also be expanded. These four lounges will open in phases from August 2025, providing a more spacious environment for an elevated customer experience. The First-Class Lounge and Prestige Class Lounge in the west wing will undergo renovations and reopen in April 2026. Once all upgrades are complete, Korean Air will operate a total of six lounges at Incheon, expanding the overall lounge space by 2.5 times and doubling seating capacity. The airline will also renovate its lounges at major international hub airports. The lounges at Los Angeles (LAX) and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) will undergo complete redesigns, incorporating city-themed atmospheres. Beyond mere construction and refurbishment, Korean Air is also enhancing the airport lounge experience by introducing a new feature in its mobile app. This update will provide passengers with real-time information on lounge location, amenities, reservations, and crowd levels, making it easier to plan and enjoy their time before a flight. Pre-flight indulgence Also, the First-Class Lounge will be transformed into a premium space that exceeds airport lounge conventions. The airline plans to create an elegant, refined environment offering sophisticated comfort associated with luxury hotel lounges. Food and beverage services will be significantly enhanced with live kitchens offering fresh, diverse cuisine. Bartenders and baristas will prepare cocktails, wines, and beverages on-site. Dedicated bakeries and patisseries will serve croissants, pizzas, and desserts, while a signature noodle bar will offer freshly prepared dishes. Premium Economy makes its debut Korean Air will also introduce Premium Economy seating in response to growing market demand. The airline will retrofit 11 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, removing First Class cabins to install Premium Economy cabins. The first retrofitted aircraft will enter service in the second half of 2025 with a three-class configuration: Prestige (Business), Premium Economy and Economy. Fleet modifications will continue through 2026 to expand Premium Economy availability across more routes.
Korean Air launches new branding after USD1.3 billion Asiana acquisition
Korean Air has launched new aircraft livery and corporate branding that will be introduced across the company as it combines with South Korean rival Asiana Airlines to become one of Asia's biggest carriers. South Korea's largest airline in December completed a $1.3 billion acquisition of two-thirds of Asiana, which will be run as a subsidiary until Jan. 1 2027, when it will integrate under the Korean Air name and corporate identity. Korean Air planes will now sport the word "Korean", instead of "Korean Air", in a larger, modernised, simplified dark blue font, and the top half of the fuselage will be painted light blue, with a new metallic effect. "The updated logo aligns with modern and global minimalist branding trends while preserving the airline's distinct identity," the company said. Since 1984, Korean Air planes have had distinctive sky blue and white bodies, and tails decorated with a stylised taeguk, a traditional blue and red Korean symbol for the harmony between opposing forces used on the country's flag. Korean Air, a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, was established in 1969 when state-owned Korean Air Lines was taken over by South Korean conglomerate Hanjin Kal. The Asiana acquisition rescued the debt-laden carrier, which was struggling even before a plunge in travel demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. The deal, finalised more than four years after it was first proposed, was hampered by competition concerns and became the longest-ever merger of airlines to complete. "After the merger with Asiana, we'll continue to grow in revenue and also in size. But my most important measurement of growth is service quality," Korean Air CEO Walter Cho told the media."My top priority is safety, no matter what," Cho said. Source: Reuters
Korean Air is Airline Ratings’ 2025 Airline of the Year
Australia's AirlineRatings.com just named Korean Air as its Airline of the Year for 2025. The South Korean flag-carrier also won Best Economy Class in Airline Ratings’ World’s Best Airline Cabin Class Awards. The airline likewise secured eighth position in the publication's Top 25 Safest Full-Service Airlines rankings in January this year. Korean Air was recognized for its commitment to enhancing the passenger experience and its strategic growth initiatives. Airline Ratings chief executive Sharon Petersen said: "Korean Air's delivery of exceptional service across all cabin classes, from economy to premium, is backed by continuous investment in next-generation aircraft and fleet modernisation. With the successful acquisition of Asiana Airlines, the airline has established a historic milestone in shaping its future." This recognition follows Korean Air's previous accolades, including being ranked second in AirlineRatings' Top 25 Airlines and winning Best Long-Haul Carrier in North Asia in 2024. The airline remains committed to strengthening its position as a leading global carrier through continued innovation and service excellence. Providing an exceptional experience to clients the world over Airline Ratings commended Korean Air’s economy class experience, highlighting the spacious seat configurations in comparison to other airlines and attentive onboard service. The evaluation also noted the airline’s comprehensive amenities on its long-haul routes, along with enhanced dining and expansive inflight entertainment options. A standout feature of Korean Air’s economy class is the Boeing 787-10, which offers industry-leading seats with a 120-degree recline capability and 13.3-inch high-resolution monitors, significantly enhancing passenger comfort and entertainment options. Korean Air's strategic fleet modernisation programme continues to drive service improvements and operational efficiency. The airline’s latest addition of next-gen aircraft, including the Airbus A350-900, A321neo and Boeing 787-10, have strengthened its network coverage while setting new standards for inflight experience and operational reliability. Beyond passenger experience, the airline has demonstrated business strength and future readiness. The recent successful acquisition of Asiana Airlines, one of the largest mergers in Asian aviation history, marks a significant milestone as the airline embarks on a bold new journey.
Korean Air celebrates Year of the Blue Snake
Korean Air is celebrating the Lunar New Year by displaying traditional good luck charms, known as Bokjori, at major domestic company sites from 22 January to 4 February. The Bokjori hanging tradition is a cherished Korean custom where a strainer, made of woven bamboo, is hung on the wall during the first day of the Lunar New Year. The custom is to “gather” good fortune and prosperity, much like scooping up rice with a strainer. Since 2008, Korean Air has upheld this tradition by carrying out the Bokjori hanging event every Lunar New Year. The annual initiative aims to wish customers good health and happiness while promoting and preserving this meaningful aspect of Korean culture.
Korean Air takes 63.88 percent of Asiana Airlines
Korean Air completed its acquisition of a major stake in Asiana Airlines on Thursday, 12th December. The acquisition was finalised four years after Korean Air expressed its plan to acquire the stake in November 2020. The South Korean flag-carrier acquired 131,578,947 newly issued shares of Asiana Airlines, representing a 63.88 percent ownership stake. This makes Asiana Airlines a subsidiary of Korean Air. The completion follows Korean Air's payment of KRW 800 billion to Asiana Airlines on Wednesday, 11th December, concluding the share purchase transaction. This brings the total investment through the third-party allotment capital increase to KRW 1.5 trillion, including the previously paid deposit of KRW 300 billion and interim payment of KRW 400 billion. Asiana Airlines will hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders on 16 January 2025 to appoint new board directors nominated by Korean Air. The acquisition represents a strategic milestone for Korea’s aviation industry, and Korean Air will proceed to implement measures to strengthen the country’s aviation capabilities and enhance its competitive position in the global market. What happens now? Korean Air plans to complete the integration with Asiana Airlines within two years. The integration strategy includes network optimization through diversified flight schedules on overlapping routes, service expansion to new destinations and enhanced safety investments. The merger aims to strengthen national aviation industry competitiveness, enhance Incheon Airport's hub capabilities and expand global network reach. The integration will proceed without workforce restructuring, as the combined organization projects natural staff growth through business expansion, with employees in overlapping functions being reassigned within the organization. The integrated frequent flyer programme framework will be submitted to the Korea Fair Trade Commission by June 2025. Programme details will be communicated to customers following regulatory review.
Korean Air expands China and Japan networks
South Korean flag-carrier Korean Air announced the upcoming expansion of its route networks in China and Japan. The airline plans to resume several routes to the two nations even as it increases the number of flights plying popular routes. Among those slated for resumption are Korean Air’s Seoul Incheon-Mudanjiang and Busan-Qingdao services. The former takes off beginning 22nd October, while the latter take flight from 1st December. Korean Air’s Seoul Incheon-Mudanjiang route flies five times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The Busan-Qingdao route, on the other hand, is slated to fly daily. Heading into China and Taiwan Korean Air expanded its Seoul Incheon-Zhengzhou route from four weekly flights to a daily service as of 12th August. At the same time, it will schedule more flights for its Seoul Incheon-Xiamen route beginning 1st October. From 10 September to 26 October, Korean Air’s Seoul Incheon-Taichung flies four times on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Beginning 27th October, the airline will further increase the frequency to a daily run to boost its presence in the Taiwanese aviation sector. By December of this year, Korean Air hopes that its flights to China will reach around 95 percent of the capacity seen back in December 2019. Relaunching into Japan Korean Air is also slated to relaunch its Seoul Incheon-Nagasaki route for the winter season after a break of more than 11 years. Beginning 27th October, the route operates four times weekly on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, opening up new travel opportunities to the historic Japanese city. There will likewise be a temporary increase in flights on the Seoul Incheon-Osaka route between 2 September and 26 October. Korean Air is slated to operate four daily flights on top of its three current daily flights. This enhanced schedule seeks to accommodate a surge in travel to Osaka for much of the autumn. September 2 to October 26, the airline will operate four daily flights, up from the existing three daily flights. This enhancement will accommodate the anticipated surge in autumn travel to this popular Japanese destination. The airline hopes to achieve 106 percent of its pre-pandemic capacity to Japan by the end of this year.
Korean Air Welcomes First Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner With New Prestige Class
SkyTeam member Korean Air has proudly announced the arrival of its first Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. The inaugural flight with the new aircraft type will take off on 25 July from Seoul Incheon to Tokyo Narita, marking a significant milestone for the airline. Introducing the Next-Generation 787-10 The next-generation 787-10 introduces Korean Air’s new Prestige Class cabin interiors. Business class passengers can now enjoy enclosed suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, offering enhanced privacy and comfort. The suites are equipped with wireless phone charging, dual 220V/110V outlets, two high-speed USB-C ports, and 24-inch in-flight entertainment screens with Bluetooth audio support. In-flight Wi-Fi service is also available, ensuring passengers stay connected throughout their journey. The 787-10, with its longer fuselage and increased seating capacity, has a maximum range of 11,175 kilometres, about 1,400 kilometres shorter than the 787-9. Korean Air’s 787-10 aircraft are configured with 325 seats, including 36 Prestige Class suites and 289 Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. Photo courtesy: Korean Air Deployment and Future Plans Initially, the 787-10 will be deployed on short-haul routes for crew familiarisation. It will later be deployed on long-haul routes, including Seoul Incheon-Vancouver. While Korean Air had plans to launch a premium economy product with the arrival of the 787-10, these plans have evidently changed. Expanding Routes and Increasing Capacity In related news, Korean Air is resuming and adding capacity on several routes to Northeast Asia amid increasing demand. This includes the Busan-Shanghai Pudong and Jeju-Beijing routes, as well as Seoul Incheon-Hefei. Select routes will also see an increase in flight frequencies. With the introduction of the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, Korean Air continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing passengers with the highest standards of comfort and service.
Savouring the Skies: Korean Air’s Culinary Triumph
Korean Air has soared beyond expectations in aviation, where the sky is the limit, clinching the prestigious title for the best airline onboard menu in its first-class cabin. This accolade, presented by Global Traveler in their 2024 Leisure and Lifestyle Travel Awards, is a testament to the carrier’s unwavering commitment to culinary excellence. Korean Air’s journey to the top has been a flavourful one. With a menu that delights travellers’ with global flavours, the airline offers an array of gourmet dishes as diverse as its destinations. From the succulent roasted Chilean sea bass with vermouth sauce to the comforting warmth of spicy beef short rib stew, the airline’s menu uniquely reflects its global reach and cultural richness. Seasonality and route specificity, guided by valuable customer feedback, play pivotal roles in KorAir’s menu curation. This ensures that each dish served is a harmonious blend of freshness and authenticity. Traditional Korean bibimbap and spicy buckwheat noodles proudly represent Korea’s vibrant culinary heritage, inviting passengers to explore the flavours of the land from the comfort of their seats. Global Traveler, the U.S.-based luxury travel magazine, has recognised KorAir’s gastronomic achievements for the twelfth consecutive year, solidifying the airline’s position as a leader in travel-related excellence. The magazine’s annual surveys, which garner votes from its extensive online and offline subscriber base, have consistently placed Korean Air at the forefront of airline cuisine. The airline’s success is rooted in its dedication to service enhancement and innovation. In a bold move to cater to the evolving dietary preferences of its passengers, Korean Air introduced vegan options. These dishes, inspired by traditional Korean temple cuisine, are a testament to the airline’s commitment to adaptability and inclusivity. The airline’s pre-order meal selection is a mosaic of dietary considerations, offering vegetarian, glucose-free, children’s meals, ensuring that every passenger’s needs are met with care and precision. KorAir’sir’s wine program, under the expert guidance of internationally acclaimed sommelier Marc Almert, has seen a significant refinement. The introduction of over 50 new wines to its already award-winning collection is a nod to the airline’s pursuit of providing a world-class dining experience above the clouds. The airline’s efforts to elevate customer service have not gone unnoticed. In the past year alone, Korean Air has been adorned with a Skytrax 5-star airline rating for the second time in a row, an APEX 5-star global airline rating for the seventh year running, and the honour of being named the Best Business and First-Class Airline in the USA Today 10 Readers Choice Awards. As Korean Air continues its ascent in airline service, it remains a beacon of excellence, proving that the sky is not just a space to travel through but a place where culinary dreams can take flight.
Korean Air to Launch Direct Flights to Lisbon
Korean Air, one of the leading airlines in the world, has announced the launch of scheduled charter flights to Lisbon, Portugal, from September 11 to October 25. The airline will operate three weekly flights between Seoul Incheon and Lisbon on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. These flights, serviced by the airline’s Boeing 787-9 fleet, will make 20 round trips during the two months. The scheduled charter flights are the only nonstop flights between Northeast Asia and Lisbon. Previously, travellers had to transfer to neighbouring countries such as France and Spain or switch to land transport upon arrival in Europe. The new direct flights will streamline the journey, making trips to Lisbon and its adjacent cities more accessible. Lisbon, nestled along the banks of the Tejo (Tagus) River on the Iberian Peninsula, offers a combination of historical and contemporary attractions. The city is an appealing destination for leisure seekers and cultural explorers, from the beautiful beaches to multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites. Lisbon is frequently portrayed in various media and remains a popular destination for backpackers and honeymooners. For those looking to immerse in the local culture, a visit to the Jeronimos Monastery in the Belém district is highly recommended. This site is celebrated as the cradle of the Portuguese egg tart. A tram ride through Lisbon’s streets also offers an intimate view of its rich history and vibrant daily life. Beyond Lisbon, the city of Porto is easily accessible by train. Known for its unique charm and cultural richness, Porto provides a deeper glimpse into Portugal’s local flavours and traditions. Tickets for these flights are available on the Korean Air website, mobile app, or through travel agencies. Korean Air also plans to extend the route’s operations into the winter season, offering travellers more opportunities to explore the enchanting city of Lisbon.
Korean Air recognised for 45 years of serving New York
Korean Air held an event to celebrate the 45th anniversary of its New York route together with the Korea Tourism Organization, Incheon International Airport Corporation, and Delta Air Lines in Manhattan, New York. On this occasion, Korean Air received a Senate and General Assembly Citation from New Jersey for the airline's contribution to America’s eastern region.The airline also presented a plaque of appreciation to the Korean American Associations of New York and New Jersey for their support over the years. "We extend our deep gratitude to the Korean communities in the region and our esteemed partners for their steadfast support throughout the past 45 years," said Jin Ho Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Americas Regional Headquarters at Korean Air. “We look forward to bringing you upgraded customer services, including the opening of new lounges, upon the completion of the new Terminal One in 2026.” The event was attended by Euy Whan Kim, Consul General of Korea in New York; Kwang S. Kim, President of Korean American Association of Greater New York; Adrian Lee, President of The Korean American Association of New Jersey; Grace Lee, New York Assemblywoman; Ellen Park, New Jersey Assemblywoman; Julie Won, New York City Council Member; and Steve Rowland, Executive Director at JFK Terminal One. About 130 people participated in the celebration including representatives from 60 major local travel agencies. Korean Air provided attendees with a specially produced 45th anniversary wine in collaboration with New York Del Vino Winery and a specially-designed tote bag crafted in collaboration with the Korean Association of New York Artists (KANA), a non-profit culture and arts organization based in New York. All of the co-hosts promoted Korea as a tourist destination and introduced its strengthened hub competitiveness following the expansion of Incheon International Airport. In addition, companies such as Ceragem and LG, also celebrated the airline’s 45th anniversary through various sponsorships. Since launching its first service to New York on March 29, 1979, Korean Air has played a key role in facilitating cultural, art, and economic exchanges between the two countries. The airline currently operates two daily flights between New York JFK and Seoul Incheon: flight KE082 departs from JFK at 13:20 and arrives at Seoul Incheon at 17:50 the next day, while flight KE086 leaves JFK at 00:50 and arrives at Seoul Incheon at 05:20 the next day.
Korean Air
Seoul, South Korea
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