About Korean Air

Korean Air, based in Seoul, South Korea, provides service to more than 100 destinations in more than 35 countries. The airline, along with Delta Air Lines, Continental Airlines and Air France, is a member of the Skyteam alliance. It was honored in 2007 as Best Economy Class by Skytrax and in 2006 by IATA as World's top commercial cargo airline.

Founding

After bankruptcy of privately-owned Korean National Airlines in 1962, Korean Air was founded by the South Korean government and was privatized in 1969. The airline, with only eight aircraft, carried around 700,000 passengers in the first year as a private airline.

Expansion

In 1971, Korean Air introduced cargo service to the United States with service to Los Angeles. The airline introduced passenger service to Los Angeles the next year via Honolulu. Korean Air introduced service to New York and non-stop service to Los Angeles in 1979. It expanded its cargo service with flights to Europe over the North Pole.

North American Expansion

In the 1980's, Korean Air continued its expansion, providing passenger and cargo service to North American cities including Toronto, Canada, San Francisco, California and Chicago, Illinois. As a result of new diplomatic ties to Mainland China, the airline was forced to suspend Taipei operations in 1992. However, the airline expanded its network to other Asian destinations including Singapore, Sapporo, Japan and Guam.

Today

Korean Air carries more than 20 million passengers per year with its fleet of more than 130 aircraft. In the airline's first 40 years, its fleet has flown more than 5 billion kilometers--a distance equaling more than 7,500 trips to the moon. The airline has more than 18,000 employees worldwide. Its cargo division carries more than 160 million tons of cargo per year.

The Future

Korean Air expects to expand its fleet to around 150 aircraft by 2019, adding Boeing 777, 787 and Airbus A380 aircrafts. "It is my sincere desire to make Korean Air a strong company that can endure any challenge, by focusing on the growth and strengthening of our fundamental values," said CEO Yang Ho Cho to employees at a 40th anniversary event at its Seoul headquarters in 2009.

References

• Korean Air