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Korean Air

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Korean Air Co., Ltd.
Company typePrivate
IndustryAviation
PredecessorKorean Air Lines (government-owned, 1962–1969)
FoundedMarch 1, 1969; 57 years ago (1969-03-01) (current company under Hanjin Group)
FounderHanjin Group (acquisition)
Headquarters
Seoul
,
South Korea
Area served
Worldwide (126 cities in 44 countries internationally, 13 domestic locations)
ProductsPassenger and cargo air transport services
OwnerHanjin Group
Number of employees
20,540 (2014)
Websitewww.koreanair.com

Overview

Korean Air Co., Ltd. (KAL; Template:Korean) serves as South Korea's national airline and stands as the largest carrier in the country by fleet size, number of international destinations, and volume of international flights. It operates under the ownership of the Hanjin Group. As a founding participant of the SkyTeam alliance and its cargo division, SkyTeam Cargo, Korean Air holds a prominent position in global aviation. By 2024, it is recognized as one of only eleven airlines worldwide to achieve a 5-star rating from Skytrax, ranking among the top 20 airlines globally in passenger numbers as well as being a leading international cargo operator.

The airline's origins date back to June 1962 with the establishment of government-operated Korean Air Lines. This entity was acquired by the Hanjin Group on March 1, 1969, marking the beginning of the current Korean Air. Its international passenger services and associated cargo subsidiaries cover 126 cities across 44 countries, while its domestic network reaches 13 locations. The company's main headquarters is situated in Seoul, South Korea. As of December 2014, Korean Air employed approximately 20,540 staff members.

Historically, around 1999, Korean Air was criticized for a poor safety record and was often labeled "an industry pariah" due to numerous serious accidents and incidents. However, by 2009, significant enhancements in safety standards were achieved through strategic investments and consultancy partnerships with firms such as Boeing and Delta Air Lines. More recently, in November 2020, plans were announced for a merger with rival Asiana Airlines. Following regulatory challenges from the United States Department of Justice concerning monopoly issues, Korean Air instead proceeded with acquiring a controlling stake in Asiana Airlines. This acquisition was finalized on December 12, 2024.

History

File:Douglas DC-4-1009 Korean National Airlines HL-108.jpg
A Douglas DC-4 operated by Korean National Airlines at Oakland in 1953

Establishment

The Republic of Korea's government took ownership of Korean National Airlines, originally established in 1946, in 1962 and subsequently rebranded it as Korean Air Lines, transforming it into a government-run carrier. The airline entered a new phase on 1 March 1969 when the Hanjin Group purchased the state-owned company, marking the official founding of Korean Air.[1] [2] On April 26, 1971, the airline commenced long-distance trans-Pacific cargo flights, followed by the launch of passenger services to Los Angeles International Airport on April 19, 1972.[3]

Growth

File:Korean Air Lines 1969.svg
Logo used by Korean Air Lines between 1969 and 1984.
File:Boeing 707-3B5C HL7406 at Fukuoka Airport, August 1987.jpg
A Korean Air Boeing 707 at Fukuoka Airport in August 1987 featuring an earlier livery. This was the sole Boeing 707 ordered directly from Boeing by Korean Air and was lost in the Korean Air Flight 858 incident.

Initially, Korean Air operated international routes to destinations including Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, and Los Angeles using Boeing 707 aircraft until it introduced the Boeing 747 in 1973. That year marked the deployment of Boeing 747s on trans-Pacific services and the inauguration of European flights to Paris, France, initially utilizing the Boeing 707 and later upgrading to the McDonnell Douglas DC-10. In 1975, Korean Air became one of Asia’s pioneers in incorporating Airbus aircraft into its fleet by acquiring three Airbus A300 planes, which were promptly assigned to Asian routes.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name The airline established a dedicated cargo terminal at Los Angeles International Airport in 1981.[1] Due to restrictions preventing South Korean aircraft from traversing North Korean and Soviet airspace at that time, European routes were routed eastward from South Korea via stops such as Seoul, Anchorage, and then onward to Paris.

Transition to 'Korean Air'

File:KoreanAir logo.svg
Korean Air's emblem used from March 1, 1984, through March 10, 2025, still visible on certain aircraft.

On March 1, 1984, the airline adopted a fresh livery featuring a blue upper section with silver accents and unveiled a revamped corporate logo displaying a stylized Taegeuk motif. Concurrently, the company rebranded itself from Korean Air Lines to Korean Air. This updated design first appeared on its MD-80 and Boeing 747-300 aircraft. The new branding was developed through collaboration between Korean Air and Boeing. During the 1990s, Korean Air became the pioneer in operating the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 alongside its fleet of Boeing 747-400s; however, since the MD-11 failed to fulfill the airline’s performance expectations, these planes were eventually repurposed as cargo carriers. Additionally, several older Boeing 747s were converted for freight operations. At that time in 1984, Korean Air maintained its headquarters in the KAL Building located on Namdaemunno, within Seoul’s Jung District.[1][2][4]

Controversial Safety Reputation and Performance

Previously, Korean Air was infamous for its poor safety standards and a disproportionately high number of fatal accidents.[5][6][7][8] In 1999, then-President Kim Dae-jung openly criticized the airline’s safety record as "an embarrassment to the nation" and opted to fly with Korean Air’s smaller competitor, Asiana, for his trip to the United States.[9]

From 1970 until 1999, Korean Air lost sixteen aircraft due to major accidents or incidents, resulting in over seven hundred fatalities.[10] Investigations into Korean Air Flight 801 determined that insufficient pilot training at Korean Air played a critical role in the pilot error causing this deadly crash.[11]

Following the fatal accident of Korean Air Cargo Flight 6316, in 1999 Delta Air Lines terminated its code-sharing agreement with Korean Air explicitly citing safety concerns—marking a precedent as the first major carrier to end such an alliance due to safety issues.[12] Other partners including Air Canada and Air France also followed this course of action.

In 2001, after South Korea and its airlines failed to meet necessary improvements despite prior warnings, the Federal Aviation Administration downgraded South Korea’s aviation safety rating and prohibited South Korean carriers from expanding their U.S. operations.[13] This action was largely attributed to inadequate regulatory oversight of airlines such as Korean Air.[14]

Since then, the airline has restored its rating by investing billions into enhancing safety protocols, modernizing its fleet, integrating advanced technology, and reforming corporate culture—engaging consultants from both Boeing and Delta Air Lines.[15] By 2002, The New York Times reported that Korean Air had been removed from numerous international "avoid" lists.[5]

File:Korean Air Boeing 747SP at Basle - January 1985.jpg
A Korean Air Lines Boeing 747SP at EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg in January 1985
File:Korean Air takes delivery of its first A380 at Toulouse Blagnac International Airport.jpg
Korean Air receives its inaugural Airbus A380 at Toulouse–Blagnac Airport, France on May 25, 2011.

Early 21st century

On 23 June 2000, Korean Air, together with Aeroméxico, Air France, and Delta Air Lines, established the prominent airline alliance known as SkyTeam, along with its cargo division, SkyTeam Cargo, officially launched on 28 September 2000.

On 5 June 2007, Korean Air announced plans to introduce a new low-cost carrier named Jin Air within South Korea. This initiative aimed to offer competition against the KTX high-speed rail system, which provided more affordable fares and less rigorous security checks compared to air travel. Jin Air commenced its scheduled passenger flights on 17 July 2008, utilizing some Boeing 737 and Airbus A300 aircraft transferred from Korean Air’s fleet.

In mid-2010, Korean Air collaborated with Blizzard Entertainment in a co-marketing campaign that featured two aircraft—a Boeing 747-400 and a Boeing 737-900—adorned with StarCraft II-themed liveries. Despite achieving record revenue in the second quarter of 2010, the airline reported significant financial losses during the same period. Additionally, in August of that year, Hanjin Group, Korean Air's parent company, inaugurated a new cargo terminal at Navoiy International Airport in Uzbekistan. This facility was intended to serve as a logistics hub with regular cargo flights connecting Seoul, Navoi, and Milan.

Korean Air expanded its international investment portfolio in 2013 by acquiring a 44% stake in Czech Airlines; however, this shareholding was divested in October 2017. On 1 May 2018, Korean Air formalized a joint venture agreement with Delta Air Lines to strengthen their partnership.

In 2019, Korean Air introduced a new safety video featuring the K-pop group SuperM performing the song "Let's go everywhere," which was also released as a single. The airline further showcased SuperM by applying a special livery on one of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft registered HL8010.

By 2023, Korean Air achieved recognition as a 5-star airline according to Skytrax’s global air transport rating system.

Looking ahead to 2025, Korean Air secured a 10% ownership stake in Canadian carrier WestJet.

Nut rage incident

Main article: Nut rage incident

Cho Hyun-Ah, also referred to as "Heather Cho," is the daughter of then-chairman Cho Yang-ho. In late 2014, she stepped down from certain responsibilities after instructing a Korean Air flight to return to the gate so that a flight attendant could be removed. This action was triggered because the attendant served her nuts in a bag rather than on a plate. Subsequently, Cho Hyun-Ah faced legal consequences and was arrested by South Korean authorities for breaching the nation’s aviation safety regulations.[16]

Merger with Asiana Airlines

Main article: Merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines

In November 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the South Korean government officially declared that Korean Air would proceed with acquiring Asiana Airlines.[17] The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced plans to consolidate subsidiaries Air Busan, Air Seoul, and Jin Air into a unified low-cost airline focused on servicing regional airports within Korea.[18]

By March 2021, Korean Air disclosed that the merger with Asiana Airlines would face delays due to pending approvals from foreign regulatory bodies.[19][20] As of 2023, this transaction remains incomplete as key nations have expressed reservations regarding the acquisition.[21]

On December 12, 2024, Reuters reported that Korean Air finalized the acquisition of debt-ridden Asiana Airlines in a transaction valued at approximately 1.5 trillion won (around USD 1.6 billion). This agreement grants Korean Air ownership of a 63.88% stake in the country’s second-largest carrier, elevating it to become the world’s twelfth-largest airline by international seat capacity.[22]

File:Korean Air 2025 (Taegeuk).svg
Korean Air Taegeuk emblem since March 11, 2025

Rebranding

On 11 March 2025, coinciding with its merger plans involving Asiana Airlines—whose brand will be fully integrated by 2027—Korean Air introduced its first comprehensive corporate rebranding since 1984. This transformation was executed in collaboration with the design consultancy Lippincott. The traditional "Taegeuk" emblem underwent a significant change, shifting away from its classic blue and red hues to a sleek, outlined dark blue monochrome version of the same icon. Additionally, the previous wordmark "KOREAN AIR," originally set in a customized Cooper Black font, was replaced by a new sans-serif typeface called "Korean Air Sans," crafted by Dalton Maag; on aircraft liveries, the wordmark appears simply as "KOREAN." Lippincott highlights that detaching the Taegeuk symbol from the logotype improves its prominence, while the brushstroke-inspired calligraphic design lends sophistication to the updated brand identity. The rollout of new uniforms representing the combined "Korean Air" brand for both Korean and Asiana staff is scheduled for 2027.

Corporate affairs and identity

File:Korean Air Headquarters in Seoul.jpg
The KAL building in Seoul, one of Korean Air's office locations

Ownership

Korean Air operates under the ownership of Hanjin Group, with majority control vested in Hanjin KAL Corporation. The airline is led by chairman and CEO Walter Cho, who represents the third generation of the family overseeing Hanjin KAL. Notably, Delta Air Lines holds a significant minority stake, owning 14.90% of Hanjin KAL. As of 5 June 2020, Hanjin KAL possessed 29.27% of Korean Air’s shares.

Hubs and headquarters

Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 serves as Korean Air’s primary international hub.

The airline’s main headquarters (대한항공 빌딩/大韓航空 빌딩) is situated within the premises of Gimpo International Airport in Gonghang-dong, Gangseo District, Seoul. Additionally, Korean Air maintains an auxiliary headquarters campus located at Incheon.

Other key operational hubs include Jeju International Airport in Jeju and Gimhae International Airport in Busan. Maintenance operations are centralized at Gimhae International Airport. Most pilots, ground personnel, and cabin crew members are stationed primarily in Seoul and Busan.

Chaebol and Nepotism

Korean Air is frequently recognized as a prime example of South Korea's chaebol framework, where large family-controlled conglomerates, initially fostered with government backing, extend their influence across multiple industries. From its inception as Korean National Airlines in 1946 until the establishment of Asiana Airlines in 1988, Korean Air held the position of South Korea's sole airline operator.

The acquisition of Korean National Airlines by Hanjin in 1969 received endorsement from Park Chung Hee, the military general who later became South Korea's president after a coup d'état. This endorsement helped secure Korean Air's monopoly status for nearly twenty years, lasting until Park’s assassination in 1979.

Expanding its reach within the chaebol network, Korean Air's subsidiaries now include sectors such as maritime and land transportation, hospitality, and real estate; historically, its operations have also encompassed heavy industry, passenger transit, construction, and stockbroking. The chaebol system in South Korea is often characterized by nepotistic practices. Several incidents involving Korean Air during the 2000s have exposed problematic cultural aspects inherent in these family-led conglomerates.

Hotel Ownership

Korean Air's hospitality portfolio consists of four hotels: two KAL-branded properties on Jeju Island, the Hyatt hotel located in Incheon, and the Wilshire Grand Tower in Los Angeles. The latter is a mixed-use hotel and office complex situated in downtown Los Angeles and features the largest InterContinental Hotel in the Americas within the city's tallest skyscraper.

Korean Air Aerospace Division

File:Korean Air Aerospace 2025.svg
Korean Air Aerospace logo

Korean Air also operates an aerospace division known as Korean Air Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD), which engages in research and manufacturing activities. This division has produced licensed models of helicopters such as the MD Helicopters MD 500 and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, as well as the Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II fighter jets. Additionally, it manufactures components like the rear fuselage and wings for the KF-16 fighter aircraft built by Korean Aerospace Industries, along with parts for various commercial airliners including Boeing's 737, 747, 777, and 787 Dreamliner models, plus Airbus A330 and A380 aircraft.

In 1991, KAL-ASD designed and successfully flew the Korean Air Chang-Gong 91 light aircraft. The division also provides maintenance services for United States Department of Defense aircraft operating in Asia and maintains a dedicated research unit focused on launch vehicles, satellites, commercial and military aircraft, helicopters, as well as simulation technologies.

In October 2012, a collaborative development agreement was announced between Bombardier Aerospace and a South Korean government-backed consortium aimed at creating a 90-seat turboprop regional airliner with an intended launch around 2019. This consortium was to include both Korea Aerospace Industries and Korean Air. Although this initiative did not materialize, in 2019 Korean Aerospace Industries proceeded with a two-year feasibility study to evaluate leading the development of a turboprop regional aircraft.

Destinations

Main article: List of Korean Air destinations

Codeshare agreements

Korean Air maintains codeshare agreements with a variety of airlines, including the following:[23][24]

Interline agreements

Korean Air maintains interline partnerships with the following carriers:

Additionally, Korean Air partners with Skywards, the frequent flyer program of Emirates. Members of Skywards can accumulate miles when flying with Korean Air and redeem those miles for complimentary travel.

Current fleet

As of September 2025, the Korean Air fleet consists of the following aircraft:[36][37][38][39][40]

Korean Air fleet
Aircraft type Active Pending orders Seating capacity Remarks
F J W Y Total seats
Airbus A220-300 10 — — — — 140 140 Includes an order with 10 options and 10 purchase rights.[41]
Airbus A321neo 17 39 — 8 — 174 182 Order includes 20 options.[42][43][44]
Aircraft model Quantity in service Orders First Class (F) Prestige Class (J) Premium Class (W) Economy Class (Y) Total seats Notes
Boeing 737 MAX10 || — ||62|| colspan='5' align='center'|'TBA' || Twelve units converted from Boeing737 MAX8.[52]
Additional fifty aircraft ordered on August25,2025.[53]
Aircraft type Active Orders F J W Y Total Remarks
Aircraft model In service Orders F J W Y Total seats Notes
Aircraft type Quantity in service Orders F J W Y Total seats Remarks
Aircraft type ! In Service ! Orders ! F ! J ! W ! Y ! Total ! Notes
Aircraft model ! Quantity active ! Ordered ! First Class (F) ! Prestige Class (J) ! Premium Class (W) ! Economy Class (Y) ! Total seats ! Notes
Aircraft model ! In service ! On order ! F ! J ! W ! Y ! Total seats ! Remarks
Aircraft model ! Active units ! Pending orders ! First Class (F) ! Prestige Class (J) ! Premium Class (W) ! Economy Class (Y) ! Seats total ! Notes
Aircraft type ! Quantity in operation ! Orders placed ! F class seats ! J class seats ! W class seats ! Y class seats ! Total capacity ! Remarks
Aircraft type Active fleet size Orders pending First Class seating (F) Prestige Class seating (J) Premium Class seating (W) Economy seating (Y) Overall seating capacity Additional notes

Aircraft Model ! In Service ! Orders ! First Class ! Prestige Class ! Premium Economy ! Economy ! Total Seats ! Notes

Aircraft Model ! Active Fleet ! Orders ! F Seats ! J Seats ! W Seats ! Y Seats ! Total Capacity ! Remarks

Aircraft Model ! Units Active ! Orders Outstanding ! Seats F ! Seats J ! Seats W ! Seats Y ! Total Seats ! Notes or Remarks

Aircraft Model ! Active Units ! Pending Orders ! First Class Seats (F) ! Prestige Seats (J) ! Premium Seats (W) ! Economy Seats (Y) ! Total Seating Capacity ! Remarks or Comments

Aircraft Type ! Currently In Service ! Orders Placed ! First Class Seats (F) ! Prestige Seats (J) ! Premium Economy Seats (W) ! Economy Seats (Y) ! Seating Total ! Notes or Comments

Aircraft Type !! Active Fleet !! Orders !! F Seats !! J Seats !! W Seats !! Y Seats !! Total Capacity !! Remarks or Notes

Aircraft Model !! In Service Units !! Orders Pending !! Seats F !! Seats J !! Seats W !! Seats Y !! Total Seating Capacity !! Comments or Notes

Aircraft Model !! Number in Service !! Orders Remaining !! First Class Seating !! Prestige Seating !! Premium Seating !! Economy Seating !! Total Seating Capacity !! Remarks or Notes

Aircraft Model !! Active Units Count !! Outstanding Orders Count !! Count of F-Class Seats !! Count of J-Class Seats !! Count of W-Class Seats !! Count of Y-Class Seats !! Overall Seat Count !! Additional Information or Remarks

Aircraft Model !! Units Currently Operated !! Pending Purchase Orders!! Number of First-Class Seats!! Number of Prestige-Class Seats!! Number of Premium-Class Seats!! Number of Economy-Class Seats!! Total Number of Passenger Seats!! Notes or Remarks on Configuration or Status

Aircraft Type Name!! Quantity Currently in Fleet!! Orders Awaiting Delivery!! First-Class Seat Count!! Prestige-Class Seat Count!! Premium-Class Seat Count!! Economy-Class Seat Count!! Overall Passenger Capacity!! Additional Notes or Comments Regarding Configuration or Usage.

Template:!-- The table continues similarly for other aircraft types as per original data --

Cargo fleet

Airbus A350F || — ||7|| Cargo[54]Boeing747–400ERF ||4|| — || CargoBoeing747–8F ||7|| — || CargoBoeing777F ||12|| — || CargoBoeing777–8F || — ||8|| Cargo Deliveries expected from2030.[53]
Aircraft type In service Orders Configuration notes

Business Jet fleet

The Korean Air Business Jet division operates the following aircraft:[55][56]

Aircraft model!! Quantity!! Passenger capacity range!! Notes - AgustaWestland AW139

4 8–14

- Airbus Helicopters H160-B

1 6 < ref >{{ cite news url=https :// www.ekn.kr/web/view.php?key =20250210026074057 script-title =ko :대한항공 , 에어버스 회전익기 'H160-B ' 도입 … VVIP 항공 서비스 강화 trans-title = Korean Air introduces Airbus's new helicopter , 'H160-B ' to strengthen VIP services language = Korean publisher = EKN News date =10 February2025 }}</ ref >

- Boeing Business Jet Boeing737–700 /BBJ1

1 16–26

- Boeing Business Jet Boeing787–8 /BBJ

1 39 < ref >{{ cite news url=https :// www.donga .com/news/article/all /20220616 /113970489 /1 script-title =[Exclusive] Korean Air introduces additional private jet ... engages Samsung as first customer trans-title =[Exclusive] KoreanAir introduces additional private jet ... engages Samsung as first customer language = Korean publisher =[The Dong-A Ilbo] date =17 June2022 }}</ ref >< ref >{{ cite news url=https :// www.koreatimes.co.kr/www /tech /2022 /06 /129 _331213 .html1 title = Korean Air expands private business jet service publisher =[The Korea Times] date =18 June2022 }}</ ref >

- Bombardier Global Express XRS

1 13

- Gulfstream G650ER

1 13 < ref >{{ cite web url=https :// www.ch -aviation .com /portal/news /48298 -korean -air -adds -maiden -gulfstream -g650er title = Korean Air adds maiden Gulfstream G650ER work = ch -aviation date = August3 ,2016 access-date = June27 ,2018 archive-date = June27 ,2018 archive-url = https :// web.archive.org/web /20180627144304 / https:/ www.ch -aviation .com /portal/news /48298 -korean -air -adds -maiden -gulfstream -g650er url-status = live }}</ ref >

- Sikorsky S76C+

1 5–6

-

Total 170 colspan ="6"


Fleet expansion

During the 2018 Assembly of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, Korean Air revealed it was evaluating the acquisition of a new large wide-body aircraft to replace aging models such as the Airbus A330, Boeing 747-400, Boeing 777-200ER, and Boeing 777-300. Potential candidates for updating the wide-body segment included the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350 XWB.[57] At the International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting (IATA AGM) held in Seoul, Chairman Walter Cho confirmed that a wide-body aircraft order was imminent. Additionally, he mentioned that Korean Air was contemplating an increased purchase of Airbus A220 models, including the upcoming Airbus A220-500 variant.[58]

By 2022, Korean Air was exploring options to acquire a new freighter aircraft to sustain increasing global cargo demands. Chairman Walter Cho indicated that two possibilities were under consideration.[59][60] Subsequently, on August 25, 2025, Korean Air finalized its freighter selection by placing an order for eight Boeing 777-8F aircraft.[61]

Gallery

Retired fleet

Throughout its history, Korean Air has utilized a diverse range of aircraft models:

Korean Air retired fleet
Aircraft Total Introduced Retired Replacement Notes
Airbus A300B4-2C 8 1975 1997 Airbus A330
Airbus A300B4-200F 2 1986 2000 None
Airbus A300-600R 27 1987 2012 Airbus A330
2 Converted to freighters and reassigned to Korean Air Cargo.
1 1994 None Involved in crash as flight KE2033.
Airbus A330-200 3 1998 2025 Boeing 787 Dreamliner
6 Currently leased to T'way Air.[62]
Airbus A330-300 3 1997 2025 Boeing 787 Dreamliner
1 2022 None Written off following incident as flight KE631.
Airbus A380-800 4 2011 2024 Boeing 777-9
Boeing 707-320B 4 1971 1989 Boeing 747-200B
1 1978 None Shot down during flight KE902.
Boeing 707-320C 7 1971 1989 Boeing 747-200B
1 1987 None Destroyed in flight KE858 incident.
Boeing 720 2 1969 1976 Boeing 747-200B
Boeing 727-100 5 1972 1985 'Replaced by McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series.
Boeing 727-200 12 1980 1996 McDonnell Douglas MD-80
Boeing 737-700/BBJ1 1 2008 2018 None
Boeing 737-800 4 2007 2021 Airbus A220-300
22 2000 2022 Transferred to subsidiary Jin Air.
Boeing 737-900 4 2001 2023 Airbus A321neo
3 Moved to subsidiary Jin Air.
Boeing 747-200B 9 1973 1998 Boeing 747-400
2 Converted into freighters and reassigned to Korean Air Cargo.
1 1983 None Shot down as Korean Air Lines Flight 007 (flight KE007).
1 1980 None Destroyed as Korean Air Lines Flight 015 (flight KE015).
Boeing 747-200C 2 1973 2000 None
Boeing 747-200F 7 1978 2006 Boeing 747-400F
1 1999 None Crashed as Korean Air Cargo Flight 8509.
Boeing 747-200SF 2 1991 2002 Boeing 747-400F
Boeing 747-300 1 1984 2005 Boeing 747-400
1 1997 None Involved in crash as Korean Air Flight 801.
Boeing 747-300M 1 1988 2001 Boeing 747-400M Converted into freighters and reassigned to Korean Air Cargo.
Boeing 747-300SF 1 2001 2006 Boeing 747-400F
rowspan="4"|Boeing 747-400 17 rowspan="3"|1989 2020 rowspan="2"|Airbus A380-800
Boeing 747-8I
8 2007 Converted into freighters and transferred to Korean Air Cargo.
1 1998 None Crashed as Korean Air Flight 8702.
1 2001 2010 Leased to Republic of Korea Air Force for VIP transport until 2021.[63]
Boeing 747-400BCF 8 2007 2014 Replaced by Boeing 777F.
Boeing 747-400ERF 4 2003 2017 Replaced by Boeing 777F.
Boeing 747-400F 10 1996 2018 Replaced by Boeing 777F.
Boeing 747-400M 1 1990 2010 Replaced by Boeing 777-300ER.
Boeing 747-8I 4 2017 2025 Replaced by Boeing 777-9. Sold to Sierra Nevada Corporation for SAOC use.[64]
Boeing 747SP 2 1981 1998 Replaced by Boeing 777-200ER.
rowspan="2"|Boeing 777-200ER 14 1997 2025 rowspan="2"|Replaced by Airbus A350-900.
4 2005 2016 Transferred to subsidiary Jin Air.
Boeing 777-300ER 1 2009 2021 None
Bombardier Global Express XRS 2 2011 2017 None
CASA C-212 1 1980 2000 None
Douglas DC-3 2 1950 1970 Unknown replacement
Douglas DC-4 2 1953 1969 Unknown replacement
Douglas DC-8-60 6 1972 1976 Replaced by Boeing 707.
Eurocopter EC135-P2+ 5 2011 2018 None
Eurocopter EC155-B1 2 2004 2018 None
Fairchild-Hiller FH-227 2 1967 1970 Replaced by NAMC YS-11A-200.
Fokker F27 Friendship F27-200 3 1963 1980 Replaced by Fokker F27 Friendship F27-500.
Fokker F27 Friendship F27-500 3 1969 1991 Succeeded by Fokker F28 Fellowship F28-4000.
Fokker F27 Friendship F27-600 1 1982 1986 Succeeded by Fokker F28 Fellowship F28-4000.
rowspan="2" |\[\[Fokker F28 Fellowship F28\-4000\]\] 3 rowspan=“2”\]1984 1993 Replaced by \[\[Fokker100\]\].
1 1989 None Involved in crash as \[\[Korean Air Flight175\]\].
\[\[Fokker100\]\] 12 1992 2004 Succeeded by \[\[Boeing737\-800\]\].
\[\[Gulfstream IV\]\] 1 1994 2012 Replaced by \[\[Boeing Business Jet BBJ1\]\].
\[\[Lockheed L\-749A Constellation\]\] Unknown Unknown Unknown No replacement.
\[\[Lockheed L\-1049H Super Constellation\]\] 3 1966 1967 No replacement.
\[\[McDonnell Douglas DC\-9\-32\]\] 2 1967 1972 Succeeded by \[\[Boeing727\]\].
\[\[McDonnell Douglas DC\-10\-30\]\] 4 1975 1996 Succeeded by \[\[McDonnell Douglas MD\-11\]\].
1 1989 None Involved in crash as \[\[Korean Air Flight803\]\].
\[\[McDonnell Douglas DC\-10\-30CF\]\] 1 1978 1983 None Involved in collision as \[\[1983 Anchorage runway collision\]\].
\[\[McDonnell Douglas MD\-11\]\] 5 1991 1995 Converted into freighters and reassigned to Korean Air Cargo; replaced with Airbus A330.
\[\[McDonnell Douglas MD\-11F\]\] 4 1995 2005 Succeeded by \[\[Boeing747\-400BCF\]\].
1 1999 None Crashed as \[\[Korean Air Cargo Flight6316\]\].
\[\[McDonnell Douglas MD\-82\]\] 9 1993 2001 Succeeded by \[\[ Boeing737 Next Generation \]\].
\[\[McDonnell Douglas MD\-83\]\] 6 1994 2001 Succeeded by \[\[ Boeing737 Next Generation \]\].
1 1999 None Crashed as \[\[ Korean Air Flight1533 \]\].
\[\[NAMC YS\-11A\-200\]\] 6 1968 1976 Succeeded by \[\[ Boeing727 \]\].
1 1969 None Hijacked and captured by North Korea during \[\[ Korean Air Lines YS\-11 hijacking \]\].


Cabin Classes

Korean Air currently provides two variations of first class, three categories of business class—branded as Prestige Class—and a single economy class offering. First Class seating is available on all Airbus A380-800s, Boeing 747-8Is, and Boeing 777-300ERs within the fleet. The airline refers to its Business Class as "Prestige Class," with certain aircraft featuring Prestige seats designed as enclosed suites. The introduction of Premium Economy was announced in 2017, with the first aircraft to feature this cabin type—marketed as "Economy Plus Class"—being the CS300 (Airbus A220-300). However, this premium economy product was discontinued in 2019 due to inconsistencies in service quality and financial drawbacks. Plans are underway to reintroduce a revamped version through a retrofit of Boeing 777-300ERs equipped with the older "Prestige Sleeper" business class seats, this time labeled as "Premium Class" rather than "Economy Plus Class." Additionally, standard Economy Class remains available across the fleet.

Onboard Catering

File:KE897 ICN to PVG Economy Class Meal 20240502121041.jpg
A meal served in Korean Air's Economy Class

Passengers aboard Korean Air flights can experience an extensive range of in-flight dining options that include traditional Korean dishes alongside Western cuisine. Certain routes also feature Chinese culinary selections. The menu varies according to travel class and flight itinerary. Economy Class travelers may choose from Korean specialties such as bibimbap accompanied by gochujang and sesame oil or bulgogi rice, while Western dishes include grilled beef tenderloin and roasted cod. Chinese cuisine offerings include stir-fried snapper with chili sauce. In Prestige Class, meal options are elevated with dishes like tuna bibimbap and Korean spicy seafood stew, alongside enhanced Western meals presented with refined sides. Chinese options in this cabin include stir-fried ling fish with oyster sauce.

First Class passengers are served premium fare such as Korean spicy pork, spicy beef short ribs glazed with bulgogi sauce, and braised pork belly. Western selections encompass veal chop with Madeira sauce, seared monkfish with orange teriyaki sauce, and sirloin steak. Previously offered as a mid-flight snack in Economy was instant cup noodles; however, this item has been removed due to safety concerns related to turbulence. Nonetheless, instant noodles remain accessible for passengers in Business and First Class cabins. For Economy travelers seeking alternatives, a snack bar now provides items including pizza, sandwiches, corn dogs, and hot pockets.

In 2025, Korean Air partnered with Inha University to enhance their special dietary meal offerings by adding new options tailored for low-fat, diabetic-friendly, low-calorie, bland, gluten-free, low-sodium, and low-lactose dietary requirements.

In-flight entertainment

Korean Air's business class delivers premium in-flight entertainment featuring expansive personal screens, which differ depending on the aircraft model. On the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, passengers enjoy 23.8-inch UHD displays, whereas the Airbus A321neo is equipped with 24-inch 4K screens that support Bluetooth connectivity. Other fleet members, such as the Boeing 777 and 787-9, offer screen sizes ranging from 15.4 inches to 18 inches, varying by seat category.

File:Korean Air IFE.png
In-flight entertainment display aboard a Korean Air 777-300ER

The system features an extensive array of entertainment options including films, television series, dramas, music genres spanning K-pop to classical, and interactive gaming. Select aircraft also provide Bluetooth functionality for wireless headphone use and onboard Wi-Fi for internet browsing.

Awards

  • 2020 Skytrax - Awarded 5-Star Airline status
  • 2021 Air Transport World (ATW) - Named Airline of the Year
  • 2022 AirlineRatings.com - Honored as Cargo Airline of the Year
  • 2022 Air Transport World (ATW) - Recognized as Cargo Operator of the Year
  • 2023 Global Traveler's Tested Reader Survey Awards - Best Business-Class Seat Design
  • 2023 Global Traveler's Tested Reader Survey Awards - Best Airline Cuisine
  • 2023 Global Traveler's Tested Reader Survey Awards - Best Frequent-Flyer Redemption Program (SKYPASS)
  • 2024 Global Traveler's Tested Reader Survey Awards - Best Airline Onboard Service
  • 2025 AirlineRatings.com - Awarded Airline of the Year

Incidents and accidents

Main article: Korean Air incidents and accidents

Since the 1990s, Korean Air has made substantial strides in enhancing its safety protocols, leading to notable improvements in operational standards during the early 2000s.[5] In 2001, the Federal Aviation Administration elevated South Korea's air safety rating, and by 2005, Korean Air successfully completed an audit conducted by the International Air Transport Association.[8]

Between 1970 and 1999, Korean Air experienced numerous fatal events. Over this period, 17 aircraft operated by the airline were lost due to severe incidents or accidents, resulting in approximately 700 fatalities. Notably, two of these aircraft were downed by the Soviet Union after entering restricted Soviet airspace; these were identified as Korean Air Lines Flight 902 and Korean Air Lines Flight 007.

The most catastrophic event in the airline’s history was the downing of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 on September 1, 1983, when Soviet forces shot it down. This tragedy claimed all 269 lives on board, including U.S. Congressman Larry McDonald.

The last fatal accident involving passengers occurred with the crash of Korean Air Flight 801 in 1997. This disaster resulted in the deaths of 229 individuals out of the 254 occupants, including South Korean legislator Shin Ki-ha.[65][66][67] The National Transportation Safety Board identified inadequate communication among the flight crew and flawed decision-making during a non-precision instrument approach as primary factors contributing to this crash.[68][69][70][71]

The last fatalities among crew members occurred in the accident involving Korean Air Cargo Flight 8509 in late 1999. The crash was attributed to instrument failure combined with pilot error.[72][73]

The most recent aircraft loss classified as a total write-off took place in 2022 when Korean Air Flight 631 overran the runway at Cebu, Philippines, while attempting a landing amid adverse weather conditions.[74]

In a notable ruling during 2023, Korea Worker's Compensation and Welfare Service—a government-affiliated entity—determined that a flight attendant’s death from cancer qualified as an industrial accident. The deceased had served for a quarter-century on transcontinental flights to Europe and America which exposed crew members to elevated levels of cosmic radiation due to weaker protection from Earth's magnetic field near the North Pole. Korean Air stated it strictly monitors radiation exposure for employees to keep it below an annual threshold of six millisieverts; however, the plaintiff's legal counsel argued that outdated measurement techniques were used. The adjudicating panel concluded that Korean Air’s method may have underestimated actual radiation exposure levels and that this flight attendant might have encountered doses exceeding one hundred millisieverts.[75]

See also

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References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named History_EN
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named History_KR
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named FI
  4. ↑ "World Airline Directory." Flight International. May 16, 1981. 1444.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  6. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  7. ↑ Refer to Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers (2008), pp. 177–223 for an analysis of this significant safety improvement. Gladwell highlights (p. 180) that Korean Air’s hull-loss rate stood at 4.79 per million departures—seventeen times higher than that of United Airlines, which recorded just 0.27 per million departures during the same period.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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  52. ↑ {{cite news url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250806150600003?input=1195m title='대한항공, 더 큰737–10 도입…737–8서 변경' trans-title='Korean Air introduces larger737–10 models converting from737–8' publisher='Yonhap News Agency' date='6 August2025' }}
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  54. ↑ Template:Cite news title="Korean Air becomes new A350F customer" url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2025-10-korean-air-becomes-new-a350f-customer publisher="Airbus" date="31 October 2025" access-date ="31 October 2025"
  55. ↑ {{cite web url=https://bizjet.koreanair.com/html/e-main.html title ="Korean Air business jet fleets" publisher ="Korean Air" access-date ="21 June2022" archive-date ="October8,2022" archive-url ="https://web.archive.org/web /20221008114611 /https:/bizjet.koreanair.com/html/e-main.html " url-status ="dead" }}
  56. ↑ {{cite news url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/korean-air-expands-businessjet-charter-unit430466 date ="October18,2016" author ="Greg Waldron" title ="Korean Air expands business jet charter unit" work ="FlightGlobal" access-date ="February23,2017" archive-date ="February24 ,2017 " archive-url ="https ://web.archive.org/web /20170224054740 /https:/ www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/korean-air-expands-businessjet-charter-unit430466 / " url-status ="live" }}
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External links

File:Commons-logo.svg Media related to Lua error in Module:Commons_link at line 62: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). at Wikimedia Commons

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