Korean Air named ‘Asia Airline of the Year’ by CAPA

(Seoul, October 31, 2025) - Korean Air has been named Asia Airline of the Year by CAPA - Centre for Aviation, a leading provider of aviation market intelligence. The award was presented on October 30 at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit - Asia & Awards for Excellence, in Singapore.

The award is given to the Asian airline that has demonstrated exceptional strategic leadership and had the greatest impact on the regional industry. Korean Air was selected by CAPA’s panel of judges for its comprehensive management of the Asiana Airlines acquisition and the detailed strategic plan for the merged airline.

CAPA noted the merger is driving the airline’s comprehensive transformation, covering the airline's branding, aircraft liveries, in-flight product, network planning, and IT systems.

The panel also commended the airline's clear and methodical approach to the complex integration, noting the ultimate outcome will be the formation of a global megacarrier that will change the competitive landscape of Asian aviation.

Korean Air also participated in the summit's panel discussion to celebrate SkyTeam's 25th anniversary. Korean Air and SkyTeam executives discussed the strategic value of global alliances, the success of the trans-Pacific joint venture with Delta Air Lines, and the future of the Incheon hub as the alliance's primary gateway to Asia.

"Being awarded Asia Airline of the Year by CAPA is a meaningful validation of our entire team's dedication during this historic period of transformation," said Taejoon Kim, SVP and Head of International Affairs and Alliances at Korean Air. "We are fully committed to the successful integration of our airlines, with a clear focus on building a sustainable, top-tier global carrier that will set new standards for customer experience and enhance the regional aviation network."

Korean Air is progressing with its post-merger integration plan, which targets completion by January 2027. This recognition from CAPA follows other recent accolades in 2025, including being named Airline of the Year by AirlineRatings.com and winning Best Cabin Service at the APEX Best Awards. This award highlights the airline’s strategic commitment to strengthen its position as a leading global carrier.

PHOTO CAPTION: [Photo 1] (from left to right) Marco Navarria, Senior Director, Content & Marketing, CAPA; Stephanie Juszkiewicz, SVP, Aviation Business Development, Perth Airport; Chapman Fong, Director, Hub Development, Airport Authority Hong Kong; Taejoon Kim, SVP and Head of International Affairs and Alliances, Korean Air; Goh Choon Phong, CEO, Singapore Airlines; Mike Szücs - CEO, Cebu Pacific; and Oriel Morrison, former CNBC journalist and co-founder of APAC Network

[Photo 2] (from left to right) Paul Burton, Regional Vice President, Asia Pacific and Middle East, Aviation Week Network; Taejoon Kim, SVP and Head of International Affairs and Alliances, Korean Air; and Oriel Morrison, former CNBC journalist and co-founder of APAC Network

Tags: CAPA - Centre for Aviation, CAPA Airline Leader Summit, Korean Air