Korean Air and Delta Strengthen Partnership with Santa Monica Beach Cleanup Effort
For the second consecutive year, Korean Air and Delta Air Lines demonstrated their shared commitment to environmental stewardship by organizing a spirited beach cleanup near the iconic Santa Monica Pier. On April 24, employees from both airlines came together for a day of friendly competition and meaningful impact, working to protect the Southern California coastline that millions enjoy each year.
This year’s event, held in partnership with Heal the Bay—one of California’s most respected environmental nonprofits—brought together 45 enthusiastic volunteers. Forming teams of four, employees donned gloves and armed themselves with trash bags and grabbers for the “Suits on the Sand” challenge. The goal was simple but powerful: collect as much litter as possible while fostering teamwork, raising environmental awareness, and giving back to the local community.
Over the course of several hours, participants scoured the beach, removing hundreds of pounds of debris, including countless cigarette butts, plastic fragments, food wrappers, and other pollutants that pose threats to marine wildlife and water quality. The effort not only beautified one of Los Angeles’ most beloved recreational spaces but also underscored the airlines’ broader mission of promoting sustainability wherever they operate.
The event kicked off with an educational session led by a Heal the Bay expert, who provided critical insights into the issue of marine pollution. Volunteers learned about the harmful effects of single-use plastics, the challenges of microplastics in marine ecosystems, and how coastal cleanups contribute to the broader goal of ocean conservation. Armed with this knowledge, teams were energized to tackle the cleanup with greater purpose.
“It’s amazing to see everyone coming together to make a real impact,” said K.H. Lee, General Manager and Head of Passenger Business for the Americas at Korean Air. “Just like we do in the skies, we’re stronger when we work together. Today’s effort is a small way to show our appreciation for the Los Angeles and beachside communities, especially after the devastation of recent wildfires. We stand with our friends and neighbors who’ve been affected.”
Lee’s sentiment captured the spirit of the day: one of unity, purpose, and gratitude. The cleanup also served as a moment to reflect on the interconnectedness between aviation and the natural environment. As airlines connect people across continents, they also bear a responsibility to protect the planet that makes these journeys possible.
Rob LeBel, Managing Director of International & Specialty Sales at Delta Air Lines, echoed the commitment. “Korean Air and Delta Air Lines are working together to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve,” he said. “Through our joint cleanup efforts at Santa Monica Bay, we’re proud to give back to a city that’s been critically important to the joint venture’s global network.”
The beach cleanup forms part of the broader environmental and social impact initiatives championed by the Korean Air-Delta Joint Venture. Now in its sixth year, the partnership has expanded well beyond route sharing and operational synergy to include a robust corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda. Previous initiatives have included tree planting projects in Mongolia to combat desertification, riverbank cleanups in Seoul aimed at improving urban water quality, and global collaborations with Habitat for Humanity to provide safe housing for families in need.
Such efforts are not just symbolic; they are part of a growing recognition within the airline industry of the need to address environmental challenges. Aviation, while essential for global connectivity and economic growth, is also a significant contributor to carbon emissions and environmental impact. By engaging in hands-on activities like the Santa Monica cleanup, Korean Air and Delta demonstrate their willingness to tackle these challenges at the grassroots level while investing in broader, long-term sustainability strategies.
Participants in the cleanup event noted that the competitive format—organizing into small teams and awarding prizes for the most trash collected—helped to create a lively, energetic atmosphere. Laughter and friendly banter mixed with serious determination as teams raced to outdo one another, all while keeping the larger mission in mind. In the end, the competition aspect added extra motivation, but every participant could claim victory by contributing to the well-being of the community and the coastline.
“It felt great to be part of something bigger than ourselves,” said one Delta volunteer. “We often think of corporate sustainability programs as things that happen in boardrooms or through big technology investments. But today reminded us that simple, hands-on actions can have a real impact, too.”
For Korean Air and Delta, the day’s success further reinforced the importance of people-centered sustainability efforts. As both airlines continue to expand their joint venture, they remain committed not only to operational excellence but also to fostering stronger connections with the communities they serve and the environments they touch.
Moving forward, Korean Air and Delta plan to build on this momentum with additional volunteer opportunities and environmental initiatives. Both companies have set ambitious sustainability goals, including investments in fuel-efficient aircraft, carbon offset programs, and research into sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). On the ground, employee-led programs like the Santa Monica beach cleanup provide a tangible way for staff to contribute to these broader goals, strengthening both corporate culture and community ties.
As the sun set over Santa Monica, casting golden light across a cleaner, healthier beach, the impact of the day’s efforts was clear. But perhaps more importantly, the event served as a powerful reminder: that when companies and individuals come together with a shared sense of purpose, even small actions can ripple out to create meaningful change.
In the words of a Heal the Bay educator who helped organize the event, “Protecting our oceans and beaches isn’t just about one big action—it’s about many small efforts, consistently made, by people who care. Today, Korean Air and Delta showed that they care deeply.”
And so, with sandy shoes, full trash bags, and renewed spirits, the employees of Korean Air and Delta Air Lines ended the day knowing they had made a difference—and ready to continue their journey toward a more sustainable future.
About the Korean Air and Delta Joint Venture
Korean Air and Delta Air Lines are celebrating the 6th anniversary of their highly successful transpacific joint venture, which has benefited more than 9 million customers since launching in May 2018.
Today, Korean Air and Delta offer 18 peak-day departures between Seoul-Incheon and the United States, connecting more than 290 destinations in the Americas and more than 80 destinations in Asia.
More than 4,000 customers connect between the carriers each day at Incheon, an increase of more than 40 percent in six years. Korean Air and Delta work closely to develop products and services to ensure a consistent and industry-leading customer experience, including seamless check-in, reciprocal mileage benefits and convenient and coordinated flight schedules.
About Heal the Bay
Founded in 1985, Heal the Bay is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to making Southern California’s coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy, and clean through science, education, community action, and advocacy.