Korean Air to merge with Asiana Airlines in late 4Q26

Korean Air (KE, Seoul Incheon) and Asiana Airlines (OZ, Seoul Incheon) will integrate on December 17, 2026, after the respective boards approved the merger agreement on May 13. The two carriers signed a contract to execute the merger the day after.

Korean Air will absorb all assets, liabilities, and employees of Asiana Airlines. The carrier submitted a merger application to South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on May 14. In June 2026, it also plans to apply for amendments to its Operations Specifications (OpSpecs) to incorporate Asiana Airlines' aircraft and safety systems under Korean Air's existing air operator's certificate.

The merger ratio was set at one Korean Air share for every 0.2736432 Asiana Airlines shares, resulting in an expected capital increase of KRW101.7 billion won (USD68.3 million) for Korean Air.

Asiana Airlines will hold an extraordinary shareholders' meeting in August 2026 to vote on the merger. Korean Air, meanwhile, will approve the transaction through a board resolution as the deal qualifies as a small-scale merger under South Korea's Commercial Act.

The two airlines are also consulting the Korea Fair Trade Commission to finalise the integration plan for their frequent-flyer programmes.

The consolidation follows an initial acquisition agreement signed in November 2020, when the South Korean government and creditors injected KRW3.6 trillion (USD2.4 billion) to stabilise Asiana Airlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Korean Air said it has since repaid the public financial support.

As previously reported by ch-aviation, Korean Air plans to complete the acquisition of the remaining 36.1% stake in Asiana Airlines in the second quarter of 2026 and gradually phase out the Asiana Airlines brand and corporate entity after the integration. The airline has been working to align operational standards, employee compensation, and safety systems ahead of the merger.

Korean Air is also upgrading its operational infrastructure ahead of the integration, including renovations to its operations control centre and cabin crew training facility in Seoul, as well as expansions to engine maintenance shops and hangars at Seoul Incheon.

"The integration will elevate Korean Air's global market presence and establish Incheon International Airport as a dominant global hub through optimised network connectivity and increased transit efficiency," the carrier said.

Ch-Aviation / Photos: Duncan Stewart

California Science Center Installs The Korean Air 747 Experience In The Future Samuel Oschin Air And Space Center

 Event commemorates the first artifacts installed in the Korean Air Aviation Gallery

(Los Angeles, CA, May ) – The California Science Center has reached another major milestone in the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center with the installation of the first artifacts in the Korean Air Aviation Gallery. Thanks to the generous support of Korean Air, these include one of the signature attractions of the gallery, The 747 Experience, a 70-foot forward section of a Korean Air Boeing 747-400 aircraft fuselage, alongside four dramatically suspended aircraft from the Science Center’s collection, which will eventually include approximately 20 aircraft on display. Building construction on the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center was completed in April and artifact and exhibit installation are well underway and will continue for several months. An opening date has not been set.

The upcoming Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is part of the California Science Center’s 200,000 square-foot Phase III addition, spanning four floors and including 100,000 square feet of exhibit space. The new Air and Space Center will showcase a diverse collection of 100 artifacts, including rare and historic aerospace objects, integrated with 100 new exhibits, featuring hands-on, interactive experiences across three main galleries: the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery, the Korean Air Aviation Gallery, and the Kent Kresa Space Gallery.

The Korean Air Aviation Gallery explores how the pursuit to master the sky involves tradeoffs among four forces of flight – lift, thrust, drag, and weight – that affect every aircraft ever flown, whether it flies high, low, fast, or slow. The gallery will have three primary thematic areas: Learning to Fly, Everyday Flight, and Advanced Aviation.

Highlights will include The 747 Experience which comprises the 70-foot front section of the upper and main decks alongside the cockpit of a Korean Air Boeing 747-400 aircraft, and includes a simulated flight from Los Angeles to Seoul, Korea, in The 747 Experience Theater; the Wind Tunnels exhibit where guests will experiment in a wind tunnel lab, investigating the connections between the forces of flight through experiments with both weight and lift and thrust and lift; and the Design a Plane exhibit where guests will learn how planes can be engineered to meet the requirements of different flight missions.

The aircraft already installed and suspended from the ceiling of the Korean Air Aviation Gallery include a Grumman F11F-1 Tiger (U.S. Navy’s first supersonic fighter jet); a Convair F-106A Delta Dart (the fastest single-engine turbojet-powered airplane); a Pitts Special S-1C (aerobatic kit biplane); and a Hawker Siddeley Harrier T.4 (first jet with operational vertical/short takeoff and landing capabilities) – the first artifact installed in the gallery.

To recognize this milestone, California Science Center President and CEO Jeffrey N. Rudolph was joined by major donor Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air and Hanjin Group, in making commemorative remarks. Following the program, guests were invited to tour the new gallery, experiencing the first glimpse of the future Korean Air Aviation Gallery.

“We are delighted to celebrate the installation of the first artifacts in the future Korean Air Aviation Gallery, including the Korean Air Boeing 747-400, and to have Walter Cho, Chairman of Korean Air and Hanjin Group, here with us to mark this milestone, ” said Jeffrey Rudolph, President and CEO of the California Science Center. "Together, we are creating a one-of-a-kind educational resource that will benefit not only the children and youth of our shared Los Angeles community, but will inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, explorers from across the globe. We are deeply grateful to our colleagues at Korean Air for their tremendous generosity and partnership in creating a world-class science learning experience in our future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center."

“For more than five decades, Los Angeles has served as a second home for Korean Air, and we are proud to support the California Science Center’s mission of innovation,” said Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air and Hanjin Group. “Our vision for the Korean Air Aviation Gallery is to spark curiosity and wonder in the next generation. By showcasing the science and imagination behind flight, we want to inspire young visitors to become the pilots, engineers, and innovators of tomorrow.”

Reaching this exciting installation milestone has been enabled by the tremendous generosity of the philanthropic community – led by the Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Oschin Family Foundation and the State of California, along with Korean Air and the Kresa Family Foundation. Thanks to more than 1,100 individuals, foundations, and corporate donors, the California Science Center Foundation has now raised over $393 million toward the $450 million EndeavourLA Campaign goal.

The California Science Center Foundation broke ground on the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center in 2022. Over a six-month period beginning in June 2023 and ending in early 2024, the entire authentic space shuttle stack was lifted into its “ready-to-launch” vertical configuration at 180 feet tall, consisting of the flown orbiter, Endeavour, mated to real solid rocket boosters and ET-94, the last remaining flight-qualified external tank, and placed inside the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery. Building construction was completed in April 2026 and artifact and exhibit installations continue in all three major exhibit galleries. The Air and Space Center will nearly double the California Science Center’s educational exhibition space and will allow guests of all ages to investigate scientific and engineering principles of atmospheric flight and the exploration of the universe. The new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will be open to the public general admission-free.

The California Science Center’s Project Director, Dennis R. Jenkins, manages the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center project, assembling the team that installed the space shuttle stack and overseeing the building team that includes architect ZGF, general contractor hub MATT Construction, engineer Arup, steel fabricator Plas-Tal Manufacturing, scaffolding and shuttle protection by BrandSafway. Exhibit design has been led by Science Center curatorial team and Evidence Design.

For more information, visit EndeavourLA.org.

The California Science Center 

FLEET - Korean Air delivers 5,000 Airbus A320 Sharklets

Korean Air has delivered its 5,000th Sharklet for the Airbus A320 family, marking a key milestone in its aerostructures business and reinforcing its role in the global aerospace supply chain.

Korean Air marked the achievement with a ceremony on April 23 at its Busan Tech Center. Attendees toured Korean Air’s aerostructure manufacturing and MRO facilities, and Korean Air recognized 15 partner companies for their contribution to the program.

"This milestone reflects Korean Air’s engineering excellence and long-standing partnership with Airbus," said Jong Seok Yoo, Executive Vice President and Chief Safety and Operating Officer at Korean Air. "We will continue to advance our capabilities and uphold the highest quality standards to support the global aerospace industry."

The Sharklet is an L-shaped wingtip device installed on A320 family aircraft that reduces drag, improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

Korean Air was selected as a manufacturer for the A320 Sharklet program in 2010 following a competitive bid. Since its first delivery in July 2012, Korean Air has used its Auto Moving Line system to achieve significantly improved production capacity.

Korean Air 

Boeing March 2026 orders & deliveries

Ton Jochems - AMS

Boeing has released its figures over March 2026. Last month, it received 33 orders, one cancellation, and delivered 46 aircraft. The details can be found below.

Ordered were:
1 B737MAX by a Private customer
19 B737MAXs by Undisclosed customer(s)
8 B787-9s by Undisclosed customer(s)
5 P-8A by Undisclosed customer(s)

Cancelled were:
1 B737MAX by Air Europa
1 B737MAX by Enter Air

Delivered were:
1 B737MAX to AerCap
1 B737MAX to Air India Express
1 B737MAX to Air Lease Corporation
2 B737MAXs to Akasa Air
3 B737MAXs to American Airlines
1 B737MAX to Arajet
1 B737MAX to Aviation Capital Group
1 B737MAX to Bank of Communication Leasing
2 B737MAXs to BOC Aviation Limited
1 B737MAX to Copa Airlines
1 B737MAX to Dubai Aerospace Enterprise
2 B777Fs to Emirates
1 B787-9 to EVA Air
1 B737MAX to Jeju Air
1 B737MAX to Korean Air
1 B787-10 to Korean Air
2 B787-9s to Lufthansa
1 B737MAX to Macquarie AirFinance Holdings
1 P-8A to the Marineflieger
1 B777F to MSC Air Cargo
1 B737MAX to Phoenix Aviation Capital
5 B737MAXs to Southwest Airlines
1 B737MAX to TUI
8 B737MAXs to United Airlines
1 B787-9 to United Airlines
1 B767-300F to UPS
1 KC-46A to the USAF

In total, Boeing has now received 161 orders and 21 cancellations, leaving 140 net orders. The number of delivered aircraft stands at 143.

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

FLEET / NEW LIVERY - Korean Air / A321NEO / F-WWSC / 13119

 Alain Charpentier

ROUTES - Korean Air brings Boeing 787-10 to Zurich route for 50th Anniversary

Korean Air will introduce its Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner on the Zurich–Seoul Incheon route beginning June 2, enhancing comfort and efficiency on one of its longest-serving European routes. The deployment marks the 50th anniversary of Korean Air’s Zurich service, its second-oldest gateway in Europe. In 2026, flights will operate three times weekly from March 31 through October 24.

Next-Generation Efficiency and Sustainability
The Boeing 787-10 is the largest variant of the Dreamliner family. Its fuselage spans 68.3 meters, making it approximately five meters longer than the 787-9, increasing passenger and cargo capacity by 15%. Constructed with advanced carbon composites, the aircraft reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions by over 20% compared to similar-sized aircraft. Additionally, specialized “chevron nozzles” on the engine nacelles significantly reduce noise for a quieter cabin experience.
Korean Air's 787-10 aircraft is configured with a total of 325 seats, including 36 Prestige Class seats and 289 economy class seats.

Elevated Cabin Experience
The Boeing 787-10 features the new “Prestige Suites 2.0,” designed with high partitions to ensure maximum passenger privacy. The cabin interior incorporates elegant patterns inspired by Jogakbo, traditional Korean patchwork, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. Each suite offers a 180-degree full-flat bed with a generous length of 78 inches (198 cm), a 46-inch (117 cm) pitch, and a 21-inch (53 cm) width. To provide a refined entertainment experience, the suites are equipped with 24-inch 4K monitors and seamless Bluetooth audio connectivity.

The “New Economy” class, configured in a 3-3-3 layout, has also been upgraded for enhanced comfort. It offers a 32-inch (81 cm) seat pitch, 17.2-inch (44 cm) width, and a 120-degree recline for optimal comfort. Every seat is equipped with a 13-inch (33cm) 4K monitor—two inches larger than those on previous models—and individual USB-C ports.
Additionally, in-flight Wi-Fi service is available, ensuring seamless connectivity throughout the journey.

50 Years of Excellence
“We are proud to celebrate 50 years of connecting Zurich and Seoul,” said the Regional Manager for Switzerland. “The introduction of the Boeing 787-10 reflects our dedication to providing our passengers with the highest standards of privacy, comfort, and sustainable travel. We look forward to another 50 years of excellence on this flagship route.”
※ Flight Schedule for Boeing 787-10 Service on the Zurich-Incheon Route
(From June 2 to October 24 2026)

 

NEW LIVERY - Korean Air Lines / Airbus A 350-900 / F-WZHG / msn 771

Alain Charpentier
 

ORDER - Korean Air becomes new A350F customer

Korean Air has become a new customer for the world’s only all-new large freighter, following the conversion of seven of its existing A350-1000 passenger aircraft orders to the A350F.


Toulouse, France, 31 October 2025 - Korean Air has become a new customer for the world’s only all-new large freighter, following the conversion of seven of its existing A350-1000 passenger aircraft orders to the A350F.

“Korean Air is one of the world’s largest cargo operators,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “The decision to add the A350F to its fleet is therefore a very significant endorsement of the aircraft’s unique capabilities. The A350F will bring Korean Air the most efficient solution in the large freighter segment.”

The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 46 tonne lighter take-off weight than the competing derivative. The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027.

Currently under development, the A350F can carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes and will fly up to 4,700 nautical miles / 8,700 kilometres. Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% when compared to previous generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability.

At the end of September 2025, the latest generation widebody A350 Family had won 1,445 orders from 63 customers worldwide, including 65 for the all-new A350F from 10 cargo carriers and one lessor.

Korean Air has ordered a total of 33 A350 aircraft. This now comprises 20 A350-1000s, seven A350Fs and six A350-900s, of which the first two have already been delivered. In addition, the carrier has outstanding orders for 39 A321neo single aisle aircraft

 

Korean Air acquires stake in WestJet’s parent companies, strengthening partnership in Canadian market

Korean Air announced today it has acquired a 11.02% stake in WestJet’s parent companies, Kestrel Topco Inc. and Kestrel Holdings Inc, through an investment of USD 217 million. This investment represents a 10% equity stake in WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline.

The transaction, first agreed upon on May 9, 2025 has now been completed, with Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM also investing in WestJet’s parent companies.

Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Hanjin Group and Korean Air, has also been appointed to WestJet’s Board of Directors. Board members also include other global aviation leaders such as Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, and Alex Cruz, former Chairman and CEO of British Airways.

In addition to his ongoing role as a key leader on the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s Board of Governors since 2019, Walter Cho's appointment is expected to support future benefits for travelers and contribute to the sustainable growth of the global aviation industry.

The investment underscores the growing importance of the Canadian aviation market, which was valued at USD 33 billion in 2024 and ranked among the world’s top ten, with double-digit growth since 2019.

Building on its ongoing integration with Asiana Airlines, Korean Air will continue to pursue diverse strategic partnerships across the global aviation market to broaden customer choice, enhance convenience, and reinforce its position as a leading global airline.

Korean

 

ROUTES - KOREAN AIR NW25 ASIA FLIGHT NUMBER CHANGES

Photo: Korean Air


Korean Air on Tuesday (23SEP25) morning local time gradually filed flight number changes on various routes in Asia, effective 26OCT25. As a result of on-going flight number change, certain flights are not available for booking, or only available at the highest fares. The flight number change update is expected to be completed soon.

Busan – Shanghai Pu Dong KE2229/2230 > KE2071/2072
Busan – Taipei Taoyuan KE2249/2250 > KE2085/2086
Seoul Gimpo – Beijing Capital KE2201/2202 > KE2051/2052
Seoul Gimpo – Shanghai Hongqiao KE2209/2210 > KE2057/2058
Seoul Incheon – Aomori KE767/768 > KE2193/2194
Seoul Incheon – Beijing Capital KE853/854 > KE863/864 (Only 7 of 18 weekly flights will see flight number change)
Seoul Incheon – Cebu KE615/616 > KE601/602
Seoul Incheon – Dalian KE869/870 > KE873/874
Seoul Incheon – Guangzhou KE865/866 > KE867/868
Seoul Incheon – Hefei KE135/136 > KE155/156
Seoul Incheon – Hong Kong
KE171/172 > KE2001/2002
KE175/176 > KE2005/2006
KE177/178 > KE2011/2012

Seoul Incheon – Kagoshima KE785/786 > KE2179/2180
Seoul Incheon – Kobe
KE731/732 > KE2171/2172
KE733/734 > KE2173/2174

Seoul Incheon – Komatsu KE775/776 > KE2189/2190
Seoul Incheon – Kumamoto KE777/778 > KE2155/2156
Seoul Incheon – Macau KE169/170 > KE2015/2016
Seoul Incheon – Nagasaki KE797/798 > KE2191/2192
Seoul Incheon – Niigata KE763/764 > KE2197/2198
Seoul Incheon – Okayama KE771/772 > KE2185/2186
Seoul Incheon – Okinawa KE755/756 > KE2147/2148
Seoul Incheon – Shanghai Pu Dong
KE893/894 > KE881/882
KE897/898 > KE887/888
KE895/896 > KE891/892

Seoul Incheon – Shenzhen KE827/828 > KE835/836
Seoul Incheon – Taichung KE189/190 > KE2031/2032
Seoul Incheon – Taipei Taoyuan
KE185/186 > KE2021/2022
KE187/188 > KE2027/2028

Seoul Incheon – Tokyo Haneda KE719/720 > KE751/752
Seoul Incheon – Ulaanbaatar KE197/198 > KE2041/2042
Seoul Incheon – Yanji KE117/118 > KE115/116
Seoul Incheon – Zhengzhou KE131/132 > KE133/134

 

ORDER - Korean Air orders 103 Boeing aircraft, including B777-8Fs Support

Photo: Ton Jochems - AMS
 

Korean Air (KE, Seoul Incheon) plans to order 103 new Boeing aircraft, including its first-ever commitment for B777-8F freighters. The deal, announced during the visit of South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung to the United States, also includes more B777-9s, B787-10s, and B737-10s.

The carrier plans to order eight B777-8Fs. It will be its first order for any new-generation widebody twinjet freighters. Its cargo fleet currently comprises four B747-400ERFs, seven B747-8Fs, and twelve B777-200Fs. Its subsidiary Asiana Airlines no longer operates dedicated freighters following the sale of its cargo business to AirZeta.

Korean Air also plans to add twenty B777-9s to its existing order for 20 units of the type, placed in March 2025. The new commitment will also include an additional twenty-five B787-10s, which will come on top of the current unfilled order for six B787-9s and twenty-seven -10s.

In addition, it plans to take fifty incremental B737-10s, complementing its existing unfilled order for nineteen B737 MAX. While Korean Air initially planned to take exclusively B737-8s, it recently converted 12 orders to the -10s.

All newly announced aircraft orders are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2030. In total, they will increase Korean Air's orderbook with Boeing from the current 72 unfilled commitments to 175. The new deal marks the largest single order placed with Boeing by an Asian carrier.

Korean Air's current Boeing fleet comprises six B737-8s, two B737-800s, nine B737-900s, six B737-900ERs, four B747-400ERFs, five B747-8s, seven B747-8Fs, five inactive B777-200ERs, twelve B777-200Fs, four B777-300s, twenty-five B777-300ERs, fourteen B787-9s, and ten B787-10s. The airline also operates one B737-700(BBJ) and one B787-8(BBJ) for the government. Asiana Airlines' only Boeing aircraft are nine B777-200ERs, while LCC subsidiaries Jin Air operates five B737-8s, nineteen B737-800s, three B737-900s, and four B777-200ERs.

Korean Air will also buy 11 spare engines from General Electric and eight from CFM International

FLEET / ORDER - Korean Air converts 12 B737-8s to -10s

Korean Air (KE, Seoul Incheon) has converted 12 of its thirty B737-8s ordered in November 2015 to the larger B737-10s. The airline expects deliveries of the aircraft by the end of 2029.

The airline disclosed the adjustment in a stock exchange filing on August 6.

The South Korean flag carrier has already taken 11 of the 30 firm-ordered B737-8s. Six are operated by the mainline, while the other five have been placed with a low-cost carrier subsidiary, Jin Air. Following the conversion, the airline now expects to take seven more B737-8s and the twelve -10s.

Korean Air is taking the B737 MAX to replace its ageing fleet of B737NGs. It currently operates two B737-800s, nine B737-900s, and six B737-900ERs. Jin Air operates nineteen B737-800s and three B737-900s. Although it has never operated any A320ceo Family aircraft, Korean Air is now also adding Airbus narrowbodies - it already operates sixteen A321-200NX and has a further 40 on firm order from the manufacturer.

 CH Aviation

ROUTES - KOREAN AIR NW25 EUROPE SERVICE CHANGES – 05AUG25

Korean Air on Tuesday (05AUG25) gradually files aircraft changes to its European network for Northern winter 2025/26 season. Based on latest adjustment, the A350-900 aircraft will continue to operate service to Madrid (until 30JAN26) and Rome.

Planned changes based on schedule filing comparison 03AUG25 vs 05AUG25 as follows.

Seoul Incheon – Amsterdam eff 26OCT25 3 of 4 weekly 787-10 replaces initially filed -9
Seoul Incheon – Istanbul eff 26OCT25 787-10 replaces initially filed -9, 3 weekly
Seoul Incheon – Madrid eff 26OCT25 4th weekly service maintained during winter season
26OCT25 – 30JAN26 A350-900 replaces initially filed 787-9
01FEB26 – 26MAR26 787-10 replace initially filed -9 (1 of 4 weekly by -9 from 06MAR26)

Seoul Incheon – Milan Malpensa eff 27OCT25 777-300ER replaces initially filed 787-9, 4 weekly
Seoul Incheon – Rome Fiumicino eff 26OCT25 A350-900 replace initially filed 787-9, 3 weekly

Photo: Duncan Stewart

ROUTES - KOREAN AIR NW25 NORTH AMERICA SERVICE CHANGES – 04AUG25

Korean Air as of Monday (04AUG25) gradually files aircraft changes to its North America operations during Northern winter 2025/26 season. Planned changes include the following.

Seoul Incheon – Dallas/Ft. Worth eff 26OCT25 787-9 replaces initially filed 777-300ER, 1 daily
Seoul Incheon – Los Angeles eff 26OCT25 KE011/012 747-8I replaces initially filed A380 (1 daily each A380 and 747-8I)
Seoul Incheon – New York JFK eff 26OCT25 Initially filed 747-8I replaced by following aircraft
* KE081/082 A380
* KE085/086 777-300ER

Seoul Incheon – San Francisco eff 26OCT25 787-10 replaces 777-300ER, 1 daily
Seoul Incheon – Seattle eff 26OCT25 787-10 replaces initially filed 787-9, 1 daily
Seoul Incheon – Toronto eff 01FEB26 A350-900 replaces 777-300ER, 1 daily
Seoul Incheon – Vancouver 26OCT25 – 28FEB26 4 weekly KE075/076 787-10 replaces -9 (All 11 weekly operated by 787-10)

In addition, Asiana Airlines’ Seoul Incheon – New York JFK service during Northern winter 2025/26 season has been revised, which the airline operates 7 weekly from 26OCT25, instead of initially filed increase to 10 weekly.

Photo: Flyingphotos

NEW LIVERY - KOREAN AIR / B737-900ER / HL8273

 Photo: Jay Lee

ORDER - Boeing reports eight commercial aircraft orders and 43 deliveries for Apr-2025

Boeing, via its official website, reported (13-May-2025) the following commercial aircraft orders and deliveries for Apr-2025:

Gross orders: Eight aircraft;
Unidentified customer(s): Eight 737 MAXs;
Deliveries: 43 aircraft;
Air Canada: One 787-9;
Air India: Four 737 MAXs;
Air Lease: One 787-10;
Akasa Air: One 737 MAX;
Allegiant Air: One 737 MAX;
American Airlines: Two 737 MAXs and two 787-9s;
BOC Aviation: One 737 MAX;
CES Leasing: One 777F;
China Southern Airlines: One 737 MAX;
DHL Aviation Americas: Two 777Fs;
Emirates: One 777F;
EVA Air: Two 787-9s;
FedEx Express: One 767-300F;
flydubai: One 737 MAX;
Korean Air: One 787-10;
Ryanair: Five 737 MAXs;
Southwest Airlines: Five 737 MAXs;
United Airlines: Eight 737 MAXs and one 787-9;
UPS: One 767-300F.
 

ROUTES - KOREAN AIR EXTENDS NS25 747-8I LONDON OPERATIONS

Korean Air in last week’s schedule update extended Boeing 747-8I operation on Seoul Incheon – London Heathrow route, to the end of Northern summer 2025 season. Latest revision to planned 747-8I operation as of 21APR25 as follows.

25JUL25 – 15AUG25 Day x247 (except selected dates)

18AUG25 – 29SEP25 Day 135

13OCT25 – 24OCT25 Day 135

KE907 ICN1055 – 1720LHR EQV D

KE908 LHR1935 – 1615+1ICN EQV D

The Skyteam member previously only scheduled 747-8I service On Day x247 from 25JUL25 to 30AUG25. Separately, in last Friday’s update (18APR25) regarding the carrier’s revised A380 operation, planned A380 service to Hong Kong between 23AUG25 and 31AUG25 has been removed since the publication.

Photo: Duncan Stewart 

NEW LIVERY - KOREAN AIR / B747-8 / HL7638

Photos: K.C.Wong
 

ROUTES - KOREAN AIR A380 JUNE – OCT 2025 SERVICE CHANGES – 17APR25

Korean Air this week filed Airbus A380 operation changes between June and October 2025. As of 17APR25, planned changes include the following.


Seoul Incheon – Hong Kong A380 service on KE177/178 until 31AUG25 on daily basis has been reduced to following:

31MAY25 – 15JUN25 Day 6 (A380 service on Day 6 07JUN25 moves to Day 4 05JUN25)
16JUN25 – 04JUL25 Day x247
23AUG25 – 31AUG25 Day x45

Seoul Incheon – Los Angeles A380 service in NS25 on KE017/018 now scheduled from 01JUN25 instead of 03SEP25:

01JUN25 – 25JUL25 Day 357
26JUL25 – 15AUG25 Day x124
eff 17AUG25 Day 357



Seoul Incheon – Taipei Taoyuan A380 service on KE185/186 scheduled until 31MAY25, instead of 31AUG25 (No A380 service 26MAY25 – 30MAY25)


Korean Air’s A380 aircraft continues to operate Seoul Incheon – New York JFK KE081/082 service on daily basis.

 Photo: Duncan Stewart - LAX