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Asiana Airlines shareholders approve merger with Korean Air

Created at 12 Aug · 6:06 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Asiana Airlines shareholders have overwhelmingly approved the merger with rival Korean Air, concluding a nearly six-year acquisition process. The combined entity, to be named Korean Air, is scheduled to launch on December 17.

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Key Numbers

1.8 trillion wonmerger deal value
US$1.6 billionmerger deal value
10th-largestglobal airline by fleet size
December 17scheduled launch date for merged airline

Who's Involved

Asiana Airlines Inc.
South Korea's second-largest carrier, whose shareholders approved the merger
Korean Air Co.
Larger rival that will acquire Asiana Airlines
Song Bo-young
Asiana Chief Executive Officer
Asiana Airlines shareholders approve merger with Korean Air

↳ Why This Matters

The approval of the merger between Asiana Airlines and Korean Air will create a dominant national carrier, significantly reshaping South Korea's aviation landscape and potentially impacting competition and service offerings.

Key facts

  • Asiana Airlines shareholders voted in favor of merging with Korean Air.
  • The merger process has been ongoing for nearly six years.
  • The deal is valued at 1.8 trillion won (US$1.6 billion).
  • The merged airline will be named Korean Air and launch on December 17.
  • The Asiana Airlines brand will cease to exist post-merger.
  • Asiana Airlines shareholders have overwhelmingly approved the merger with its larger rival, Korean Air, marking the culmination of a nearly six-year acquisition process. The decision was made at an extraordinary shareholders' meeting held on Wednesday.

    Korean Air announced its intention to acquire Asiana in November 2020, with the deal valued at 1.8 trillion won (US$1.6 billion). This merger is expected to create the world's 10th-largest airline based on fleet size.

    Asiana CEO Song Bo-young stated that the creation of this mega-carrier represents a significant step for South Korea's aviation industry. He also mentioned that preparations are underway for the integration of the two airlines' mileage programs, pending a decision from the Fair Trade Commission.

    Later on Wednesday, Korean Air's board of directors also gave its approval for the merger. The two airlines had previously signed a merger agreement in May. The combined entity will operate under the Korean Air name and is slated to officially launch on December 17. The Ministry of Transport had previously approved the merger under the condition that Korean Air maintains aviation safety and passenger convenience. Consequently, the Asiana Airlines brand will be discontinued.

    Frequently asked questions

    The merger deal is valued at 1.8 trillion won, equivalent to approximately US$1.6 billion.

    The merged entity, to be named Korean Air, is scheduled to launch on December 17.

    The Asiana Airlines brand will be discontinued following the merger.

    The merged airline is expected to become the world's 10th-largest airline by fleet size.

    What Happens Next

    01The merged entity will officially launch on December 17.
    02Integration of mileage programs is pending Fair Trade Commission decision.

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    Cadence

    How It Developed

    Asiana Airlines shareholders approved the merger with Korean Air.
    Korean Air's board of directors also approved the merger.
    The merged entity is scheduled to launch on December 17.
    The Asiana Airlines brand will be discontinued.

    Sources

    T1
    Asiana shareholders approve merger with Korean AirYonhap News Agency

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