Post by Jeongwoo Shon

✈️ Korea Aviation Weekly | July – Week 1 Highlights 1️⃣ Asiana Airlines to retain Star Alliance-linked mileage benefits until just before integration: Asiana said it will maintain its Star Alliance membership through December 16, one day before the planned launch of the integrated Korean Air. That means Asiana Club members can continue earning mileage on Star Alliance partner flights until the very end of the transition period. 2️⃣ Jeju Air and Jeju SK FC team up for beach cleanup and local ESG action: Jeju Air carried out a coastal cleanup at Nonjitmul Beach in Seogwipo together with its eco-volunteer group and Jeju SK FC players and staff. The initiative reinforces the airline’s push to link environmental activity with regional partnership and community engagement. 3️⃣ Parata Air launches chef-led onboard experience on Hanoi route: To mark its new Hanoi service and inflight meal launch, Parata Air introduced an “On Board Chef” event where a chef personally presents and explains the meals onboard. The airline is also adding premium touches such as special amenities for business smart-class passengers. 4️⃣ Corporate jet demand continues to rise in Korea: Korea recorded 17 newly registered private business aircraft in the first half of the year, highlighting growing executive travel demand. Korean Air is also responding by expanding its dedicated business jet fleet, showing that premium point-to-point mobility is becoming a bigger niche market. 5️⃣ Government and defense bodies sign MOU on civil-military aircraft certification cooperation: The transport ministry, defense authorities, and other agencies agreed to strengthen cooperation on the safety, development, and certification of future aircraft. The move is aimed at supporting emerging sectors such as UAM, unmanned aircraft, and domestically developed engines. 6️⃣ Korea Airports Corporation expands reserved taxi pickup zones at major airports: Reserved taxi pickup areas have been added or expanded at major airports including Gimpo, Gimhae, Cheongju, and Daegu. The change is meant to improve convenience and reduce congestion and safety risks as app-based airport taxi use continues to grow. 7️⃣ Jeju Air says nearly 3 in 10 international passengers are foreigners: Jeju Air reported 3.589 million international passengers in January–May, of whom 1.058 million were foreign travelers, or about 29.5%. The data suggests the airline is strengthening its balance between outbound Korean demand and inbound international traffic. 8️⃣ Naver Pay opens face-recognition “Smart Pass” service at Incheon Airport: Naver Pay launched its integration with Incheon Airport’s Smart Pass, allowing travelers to use facial recognition for a faster departure experience after registering their face, passport, and boarding pass. The rollout points to a broader shift toward biometric airport processing in Korea. #KoreaAviationWeekly #KoreanAviationMarket #AviationIndustry #AirlineStrategy