Korean Air has introduced a new corporate identity and aircraft livery following the completion of its acquisition of Asiana Airlines, solidifying its position as one of Asia’s largest airlines. The South Korean carrier finalized the purchase of a 66% stake in Asiana for $1.3 billion in December, a process that spanned over four years. The full integration under the Korean Air name and identity is scheduled for January 1, 2027.
A Modern and Refreshed Design
As part of this transformation, Korean Air’s aircraft will feature the word “Korean” in a more modern and simplified design, using a larger, dark blue typeface. The upper half of the fuselage will be painted in a light blue with a new metallic effect. Additionally, the iconic tail design featuring the red and blue taeguk, a traditional symbol of harmony in South Korea, has been streamlined into a dark blue version.
According to the company, this redesign aims to align with global trends in minimalist branding while retaining the identity that has characterized the airline since 1984. The first aircraft to showcase this new livery is a Boeing 787-10, delivered last year.
→ Korean Air: 5 Consecutive Years as a 5-Star Airline
The Longest Merger in Aviation History
The acquisition of Asiana became the most prolonged airline merger to date. Despite regulatory hurdles, Korean Air successfully completed the purchase of the airline, which was already facing significant financial challenges before the COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp decline in travel demand.
With this merger, the new group could control more than half of South Korea’s passenger capacity and position itself as the twelfth-largest international airline by capacity, according to a Reuters data analysis.
Safety and Service as Priorities
Korean Air CEO Walter Cho has emphasized that the airline’s growth post-merger will be measured not only in terms of revenue and size but also in service quality. “My top priority is safety, no matter what,” Cho stated during a recent media briefing.
These remarks come at a time when South Korea has experienced two serious aviation safety incidents in the past month, including the deadliest aviation accident on South Korean soil, when a Jeju Air plane crashed at a local airport.
Creation of a Low-Cost Carrier
As part of its expansion strategy, Korean Air also plans to merge Asiana’s low-cost carriers, Air Busan and Air Seoul, with its own budget subsidiary, Jin Air. This move aims to optimize the offering of low-cost flights and improve operational efficiency in this market segment.
With these changes, Korean Air not only strengthens its position in the Asian aviation industry but also embraces a more modern and unified image as it looks to the future as one of the most influential global airlines.
Related Topics
American Airlines Becomes Official Airline of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America
Mexico: Viva Announces 7 New Routes to U.S. from AIFA
American Airlines Announces Improvements to Its Boarding Process
Avianca Requests Authorization to Fly to Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Montego Bay from Bogotá
Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial líder en América Latina.