Asiana Airlines Gabung dengan Korean Air, Akhiri 30 Tahun

After more than thirty years of flight, Asiana Airlines is preparing to say goodbye to the skies. On 17 Desember 2026, the carrier will be fully absorbed by Korean Air. The merger plan, first announced in 2020, was reported by Travel Weekly Asia on 20 Mei 2026.

Under the agreement, Korean Air will take over every asset, liability, right, responsibility, and employee of Asiana. Beginning in June, the two airlines will standardize aircraft and safety systems. The goal is to obtain Korean Air’s operator certificate and submit a unified safety‑management and operational protocol to foreign regulators.

Investment is set to support the expansion. Upgrades include new lounges, refreshed catering, and a terminal relocation to enhance passenger experience. Cabin‑crew training will be merged; all crew will train together at a newly upgraded center that can accommodate large numbers of staff. A new engine‑maintenance plant will also be built near Incheon International Airport. This plant will support routine maintenance and emergency repairs, ensuring high reliability across the fleet.

Redundant routes will be streamlined. Korean Air plans to merge its low‑cost subsidiaries—Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul—into a single airline operating under the Jin Air brand from 2027. This consolidation will reduce operational overlap and simplify scheduling for passengers.

At the end of 2025, Korean Air announced it will retain Asiana’s mileage points for ten years after the merger. Details of the combined loyalty program will be released later. The mileage points will be honored for a decade, allowing frequent flyers to redeem rewards under the new system.

“Merger dimulai pada puncak pandemi Covid-19 dengan membentuk kembali lanskap penerbangan Korea, menciptakan peluang besar bagi industri perjalanan Korea,” kata Bo Young Song, wakil presiden senior, divisi bisnis penumpang, Korean Air di WiT Seoul pada 2024. The statement reflects the strategic shift that began during the height of the pandemic.

Asiana Airlines was founded on 17 Februari 1988 by Kumho Asiana Group under the name Seoul Air International. Over 38 years, the Seoul‑based carrier grew to become Korea’s second‑largest airline and earned worldwide recognition for its service quality. The airline’s growth was driven by a focus on customer service and efficient operations.

Prestige and awards:

• Skytrax awarded Asiana a five‑star rating for cabin cleanliness, seat comfort, and staff friendliness.
• Air Transport World named it Airline of the Year in 2009.
• Member of the global airline alliance Star Alliance, expanding its worldwide network.

These accolades underscore Asiana’s commitment to excellence.

The merger marks the end of Asiana as an independent carrier, yet its legacy will live on within Korean Air. The integration brings standardization, unified training, loyalty continuity, and consolidation of low‑cost operations, aiming to streamline services and strengthen the airline’s position on the global stage. The move is expected to improve cost efficiency and enhance competitiveness in a crowded market.