Korean Air, South Korea’s largest carrier and a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, is commemorating three decades of connecting South Korea and China.
This will see special events conducted at four major Chinese airports. The celebration highlights the airline’s significant role in fostering economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
Celebrations at Two Airports 22 December
At Beijing Capital International Airport and Shenyang Taoxian International Airport on December 22, the airline surprised lucky passengers with exclusive rewards.
The 30th passenger checking in for flights KE2202 (Beijing Capital to Seoul Gimpo) and KE832 (Shenyang to Seoul Incheon) received round-trip Prestige Class tickets to Korea.
Every passenger received a commemorative tote bag marking this milestone, showcasing Korean Air’s commitment to customer appreciation.
Festivities on 24 December
The festivities continue on December 24. Passengers on flights KE806 and KE846 will enjoy special celebrations at Tianjin Binhai International Airport and Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, connecting to Seoul Incheon.
These events reflect Korean Air’s reputation for exceptional customer service and its innovative approach to passenger engagement.
“For thirty years, we’ve focused on building stronger connections between China and South Korea through outstanding service and safety,” shared Yohan Park, Korean Air’s Regional Director for China.
“We remain dedicated to expanding these relationships and growing our Chinese network.” This commitment aligns with Korean Air’s broader vision of connecting Asia to the world through its extensive global network spanning six continents.
Korean Air Presence in China
Starting with the Seoul-Beijing route on December 22, 1994, Korean Air quickly expanded to Tianjin and Qingdao on December 24. This was promptly followed by Shenyang on December 27.
Today, the airline serves 21 Chinese cities through 27 routes, reaching nearly 95% of its pre-COVID capacity from December 2019. This robust recovery demonstrates Korean Air’s operational resilience and strong market position.
The airline’s presence in China goes beyond air travel. Through its “Ai Xin Ji Hua” initiative since 2008, Korean Air supports Chinese students’ education with learning materials.
Korean operates one of the world’s most modern fleets, including the latest Airbus A330neo and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline has also planted 1.57 million trees in Inner Mongolia’s Kubuqi Desert since 2007. The gesture showcases its dedication to environmental conservation and strengthening bilateral relationships.
Humanitarian Initiatives
Korean Air’s commitment to China includes humanitarian support during challenging times. The airline provided flood relief in Hubei Province (1998), emergency assistance after the Sichuan earthquake (2008).
It supported student programs in Jeju Island, and transported medical supplies to Wuhan during early 2020. This reflects the carrier’s broader corporate social responsibility initiatives, which include global humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts.
These efforts have earned Korean Air numerous accolades in China. These include the Most Beloved Foreign Airline Award (2010), Sky Choice Awards for Best In-flight Service (2022), and Voyage Awards for Best In-flight Innovation Service (2023).
Summary
Known for its premium service and extensive route network, Korean Air consistently ranks among the world’s top airlines for customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
With its extensive Chinese network and commitment to service excellence, Korean Air continues to play a vital role in strengthening the economic and cultural bonds between South Korea and China.
The airline’s future plans include fleet modernization, service enhancements, and sustainable growth initiatives, ensuring its position as a leading carrier in the Asia-Pacific region.
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