Korean Air marked a significant milestone on December 12, celebrating 30 years of providing exceptional service and fostering connections between Korea and the Atlanta region. The occasion highlights the airline’s enduring commitment to facilitating travel, business, and cultural exchanges between these two vibrant regions.
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of its Atlanta route, Korean Air hosted a series of celebrations to show appreciation to its loyal passengers and partners. The highlight of the day was a special gesture aboard flight KE036 from Atlanta to Seoul Incheon. The airline surprised the 30th passenger checking in for the flight with a complimentary round-trip economy class ticket between Atlanta and Seoul, underscoring its gratitude for customer loyalty. All passengers on the flight also received thoughtful gifts, including a tote bag and a jar of locally sourced honey from Georgia’s Savannah region.
Ahead of the milestone date, the airline organized a celebratory dinner on December 9 at a prominent venue in downtown Atlanta. The event was attended by approximately 100 distinguished guests, including representatives from the Korean Consulate, local government, industry partners, key travel agencies, media representatives, and senior executives from Korean Air. During the evening, attendees reflected on the achievements of the past three decades while looking ahead to the future of the airline’s service in Atlanta.
“On this special occasion, we sincerely thank our customers for their steadfast support over the past 30 years and for choosing Korean Air as their preferred travel partner,” said Jin Ho Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Americas Regional Headquarters at Korean Air. “We remain committed to strengthening ties between Korea and Atlanta and providing excellent service for years to come.”
The Atlanta route holds particular historical and strategic significance for Korean Air. Launched on December 12, 1994, the service initially operated three flights per week between Seoul Gimpo Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with a stopover in Chicago. Over the years, the route has grown in importance, now operating daily direct flights between Seoul Incheon International Airport and Atlanta. This expansion reflects increasing demand for travel between the two regions, driven by strong economic and cultural ties.
Atlanta, located in Georgia, has become a crucial hub for Korean businesses and investments, particularly in sectors like automotive manufacturing, battery production, and the burgeoning electric vehicle industry. These industries have fostered significant economic collaboration between Korea and Georgia. For passengers, the route also provides seamless connections to other cities across the Americas, leveraging Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s status as one of the busiest hub airports in the world.
In 2023, Korean Air’s Atlanta route carried approximately 237,000 passengers, making it the airline’s third most popular U.S. destination after Los Angeles and New York. By comparison, the Los Angeles route served 493,273 passengers, while New York recorded 469,147 travelers. The consistent popularity of the Atlanta route underscores its importance in Korean Air’s global network.
As Korean Air reflects on three decades of service, it remains committed to enhancing connectivity and maintaining its reputation for world-class service. With plans to continue meeting the needs of business and leisure travelers alike, the airline looks forward to many more years of connecting Korea with Atlanta and beyond.