Korean Air shareholders vote to drop KAL brand

HL8573 - B787-10 - Ton Jochems - AMS

Korean Air (KE, Seoul Incheon) shareholders have approved an amendment to the company's articles of incorporation, formally retiring the "KAL" brand in favour of "Korean Air" and its IATA two‑letter code "KE". 

The decision was taken at a shareholders' meeting on March 26, 2026. 

The "KAL" brand was reportedly dropped to reset the airline's identity and eliminate any negative associations with the name, which has been in use since 1962. 

Other Hanjin Group businesses that currently include "KAL" in their titles are also expected to phase out the brand.

CH Aviation