Korean Air Marks 30 Years of Linking South Korea and China
By:
Pilotcenter.net
Korean Air Celebrates 30-Year Milestone of China Operations
This December marked a special occasion for Korean Air as the airline commemorated 30 years of connecting South Korea to China. In celebration of this significant milestone, Korean Air hosted commemorative events at major Chinese airports across its vast network. The festivities kicked off on December 22, 2024, with special passenger appreciation events held at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (SHE).
Passengers on flights KE2202 from Beijing to Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) and KE832 from Shenyang to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) were in for a pleasant surprise as the 30th passenger on each flight received roundtrip Prestige Class tickets to South Korea. Additionally, all travelers were gifted with exclusive 30th-anniversary commemorative tote bags as a token of appreciation from the airline.
The celebrations didn't stop there, with more special events planned for Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) and Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO) on December 24, 2024, for flights KE806 (Tianjin to Seoul Incheon) and KE846 (Qingdao to Seoul Incheon). This initiative reinforces Korean Air's commitment to fostering strong ties between South Korea and China.
Reflecting on its history, Korean Air first launched its China operations back on December 22, 1994, with the ICN-PEK route, paving the way for further expansions to Tianjin, Qingdao, and Shenyang. Today, the airline operates an impressive network of 27 routes to 21 cities across China, solidifying its status as a key player in the region's aviation landscape.
Beyond its commercial operations, Korean Air has also been actively engaged in providing humanitarian support across China, ranging from disaster relief efforts in Hubei Province in 1998 to aiding communities affected by the Sichuan earthquake in 2008. The airline's initiatives have encompassed diverse projects, including student exchanges to Jeju Island and medical supply donations to Wuhan during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
As Korean Air continues to strengthen its presence in China, the airline remains dedicated to enhancing connectivity, fostering goodwill, and supporting communities across the region.