Dhaka: Korean Air has been named Asia Airline of the Year by CAPA – Centre for Aviation, in recognition of its strategic leadership and management of the Asiana Airlines merger.

The award was presented at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit – Asia & Awards for Excellence in Singapore.

CAPA said the airline was chosen for its comprehensive handling of the Asiana acquisition and the detailed strategic plan for the merged carrier.

The judges noted the merger is driving a full transformation across Korean Air’s operations, including branding, aircraft liveries, in-flight products, network planning, and IT systems.

CAPA commended the airline’s clear and methodical integration strategy, saying the outcome will create a global megacarrier reshaping Asian aviation.

Korean Air executives also joined a panel marking SkyTeam’s 25th anniversary, discussing alliance strategies, its trans-Pacific joint venture with Delta Air Lines, and the future of Incheon as the alliance’s main Asian hub.

“Being awarded Asia Airline of the Year by CAPA is a meaningful validation of our team’s dedication during this historic period of transformation,” said Taejoon Kim, Senior Vice President and Head of International Affairs and Alliances at Korean Air.

The airline aims to complete its post-merger integration with Asiana by January 2027. The latest recognition follows a string of 2025 accolades, including Airline of the Year from AirlineRatings.com and Best Cabin Service at the APEX Best Awards.

-B