The merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines has entered its final stage, after Asiana shareholders overwhelmingly approved the agreement. The two carriers are now preparing to become a single airline on December 17.
At an extraordinary meeting on August 12, Asiana shareholders approved the merger agreement signed in May, with 99.3% of votes cast supporting the proposal. Korean Air’s board also approved the transaction, clearing one of the last major hurdles in the deal first announced in November 2020.
Korean Air completed the acquisition of a 63.88% controlling stake in Asiana in December 2024. The airline was forced to make several concessions to regulatory bodies to secure approval for the deal. This included surrendering slots and offloading Asiana’s cargo business.
On December 17, Korean Air will become the surviving company, assuming Asiana’s assets, liabilities, workforce and operations. Asiana, which began operations in 1988, will consequently disappear as a separate airline after 38 years. The combined mainline fleet is currently expected to comprise around 229 aircraft.
Asiana will also leave Star Alliance on December 16, with its network subsequently becoming part of Korean Air’s SkyTeam operation. Korean Air meanwhile intends to consolidate Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul separately under the Jin Air brand.
