Korean Air is accelerating the integration process with Asiana Airlines by outsourcing the maintenance of some international flight aircraft to Asiana. The goal is to share the maintenance expertise accumulated by both airlines over decades while optimizing their workforce to enhance competitiveness.

According to the aviation industry on August 11, Korean Air recently entrusted Asiana Airlines with line maintenance (basic maintenance for takeoffs and landings) for its A350 aircraft operating on routes between Incheon and Japan’s Osaka and Fukuoka. This marks the first time Korean Air has delegated its aircraft maintenance to Asiana. A Korean Air official stated, “To improve maintenance workforce efficiency, we are conducting A350 line maintenance through Asiana’s personnel at Fukuoka and Osaka airports,” adding, “We plan to continuously strengthen the cooperative relationship between the two companies in maintenance going forward.

”As maintenance collaboration expands, the combined expertise of both airlines is expected to enhance maintenance capabilities and quality. In particular, Asiana’s experience in maintaining 15 A350 aircraft, which it has operated since their introduction earlier this year, is anticipated to significantly contribute to the stable operation of Korean Air’s A350 fleet. Organic collaboration between the maintenance teams of both airlines is expected to create synergies, reducing the time required for maintenance tasks.

Korean Air’s new growth driver, its aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) business, is also likely to gain momentum. Korean Air has been increasing investments in its MRO business, including starting construction of an engine facility near Incheon International Airport in the Unbuk area, targeting completion by 2027. Industry experts see the sharing of maintenance expertise between the two airlines as essential for building capabilities to secure MRO contracts not only from domestic airlines but also from international carriers in the future.

Korean Air is also pushing for a “chemical fusion” with Asiana. Asiana recently abolished its 30-year-old seniority-based flight attendant system to align with Korean Air’s practices. Additionally, Asiana signed an employee ticket agreement with Korean Air’s subsidiary, Jin Air, allowing employees of both airlines to purchase tickets at discounted rates. Korean Air is also exploring employee ticket exchanges with Asiana’s subsidiaries, Air Seoul and Air Busan. Furthermore, a new “Integrated Aviation Healthcare Center” has been established, combining the healthcare resources of both airlines, which is now being utilized by employees of both companies.