Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Won-tae declared that 2025 will be "a pivotal year in Korean Air's history" as the carrier completes preparations for its merger with Asiana Airlines.
"This year marks the final preparations for the integrated airline's launch and opens the first page of the new Korean Air's history," Cho said in remarks commemorating Korean Air's 57th anniversary on March 3.
"The future of the integrated Korean Air is a path no one in aviation history has ever traveled," the chairman said. "By successfully merging the two airlines that have shouldered Korea's aviation history, we will accomplish the historic mission of restructuring the Korean aviation industry and creating a more competitive ecosystem."
Cho emphasized that "everything must be perfectly prepared with no room for gaps."
The chairman identified global carriers—not domestic airlines—as the merged company's competitors. "All employees must form a complete 'one team' based on mutual respect and trust to perform as the nation's flagship carrier on the world stage," he said.
"The merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines must go beyond simply expanding company size," Cho said. "It should be a process where both airlines learn from each other's strengths, complement weaknesses, and create higher value. As we welcome new family members, conflict among us is no longer meaningful."
On operations, Cho stressed that "safety and service, our top priorities, must receive our fullest attention." He called for strengthened safety standards and superior service "to build even stronger customer trust."
The chairman also highlighted emerging security challenges. "Recently, information security for customers and employees has emerged as a critical issue that can determine a company's survival, beyond just the safety of tangible assets," he said, citing ongoing investments in new maintenance hangars, an engine maintenance cluster, and enhanced cybersecurity.
Cho urged cost reduction efforts to address economic uncertainties. "Cost reduction means more than simply cutting spending—it means eliminating inefficiencies across all work processes and maximizing productivity," he said. "I ask everyone to examine whether there are elements being carelessly wasted and join in efforts to save even small costs."