Image: Korean Air

 

[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Korean Air has made its first executive appointments following its merger with Asiana Airlines, marking a significant step in the integration of the two companies. In this reshuffle, Korean Air executives have been placed in key positions within Asiana, signaling the commencement of full integration efforts.

However, some voices are expressing concerns that this move diverges from Korean Air's initial emphasis on a harmonious "chemical combination," as a considerable number of Asiana Airlines executives were retired in the process.

On Wednesday, Hanjin Group conducted its annual executive reshuffle for Korean Air, Hanjin Kal, and Asiana Airlines for 2025. This reshuffle is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first set of appointments after the merger, with a focus on transitioning into a unified airline group. The placement of Korean Air executives in key positions at Asiana was seen as a necessary step following the acquisition of Asiana Airlines.

Initially, Korean Air had indicated that it would avoid appointing its executives to Asiana's positions early on in the merger process to prevent unnecessary tension among Asiana employees. However, in this reshuffle, Korean Air placed executives in core areas of Asiana, such as passenger services and finance, accelerating its control over Asiana Airlines.

As a result, many executives from Korean Air were appointed to new roles, while 12 out of 30 Asiana Airlines executives (excluding senior managers) were forced to retire, losing their positions within the company.

 

 

 

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