Korean Air celebrates 30 years of connecting Korea and China with a series of commemorative events across four major Chinese airports within its extensive network. These celebrations reflect the airline’s enduring commitment to fostering ties between the two nations through exceptional service and collaborative initiatives.
On December 22, Korean Air hosted passenger appreciation events at Beijing Capital International Airport and Shenyang Taoxian International Airport. As part of these celebrations, the 30th passengers to check in on flight KE2202 from Beijing Capital to Seoul Gimpo, and flight KE832 from Shenyang to Seoul Incheon, were awarded round-trip Prestige Class tickets to Korea. Additionally, all passengers on these flights received commemorative tote bags celebrating the 30th anniversary.
The festivities are set to continue on December 24 at Tianjin Binhai International Airport and Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport. Passengers traveling on flights KE806 (Tianjin-Seoul Incheon) and KE846 (Qingdao-Seoul Incheon) can look forward to more special events and giveaways. These efforts underscore Korean Air’s dedication to showing appreciation for its customers and marking this significant milestone in style.
“These past three decades have been dedicated to building stronger links between China and South Korea, with service and safety excellence as our priority,” stated Yohan Park, Korean Air’s Regional Director for China. “We’re committed to strengthening these ties and growing our presence across China.”
Korean Air’s history of operations in China began on December 22, 1994, with the launch of its Seoul-Beijing route.
Shortly thereafter, the airline introduced services to Tianjin and Qingdao on December 24, and to Shenyang on December 27. Over the past 30 years, the airline has significantly expanded its network, now operating 27 routes to 21 Chinese cities. Impressively, Korean Air has recovered approximately 95% of its pre-pandemic capacity in China, reaching near-2019 levels of service as of December 2023.
Beyond providing air travel, Korean Air has made substantial contributions to the broader China-South Korea relationship through various corporate social responsibility initiatives. Since 2008, the airline has implemented the “Ai Xin Ji Hua” (愛心計劃) project, donating learning materials and resources to support educational development for Chinese students. This initiative reflects Korean Air’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and nurturing young talent in the region.
In the realm of environmental sustainability, Korean Air has been actively involved in combating desertification in China. Since 2007, the airline has planted over 1.57 million trees in the Kubuqi Desert in Inner Mongolia, contributing to ecological conservation and fostering regional environmental resilience. These efforts exemplify the airline’s commitment to sustainability and its desire to create lasting, positive impacts.
Korean Air’s humanitarian efforts in China also highlight its dedication to supporting communities in times of need. The airline has provided flood relief in Hubei Province in 1998, emergency aid following the devastating Sichuan earthquake in 2008, and medical supply donations to Wuhan during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Additionally, Korean Air has organized student visits to Jeju Island to promote cultural exchange and understanding.
These contributions have not gone unnoticed. Korean Air has received numerous accolades in China, including the Most Beloved Foreign Airline Award in 2010, the Sky Choice Awards for Best In-flight Service in 2022, and the Voyage Awards for Best In-flight Innovation Service in 2023. These honors reflect the airline’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in both service delivery and customer experience.
Looking ahead, Korean Air remains dedicated to enhancing its offerings and expanding its network within China. The airline views this milestone as a testament to its success and a foundation for further growth. With plans for continued expansion and service enhancements, Korean Air aims to play an even greater role in strengthening the ties between South Korea and China in the years to come.
As Korean Air celebrates three decades of operations in China, it not only commemorates its past achievements but also looks forward to a future of deeper collaboration, sustainable practices, and exceptional service connecting these two dynamic nations.