SEOUL- Korean Air (KE) will make significant modifications to its international operations, currently provided by the Airbus A380 fleet, beginning March 25, 2025 (summer of 2025).
The airline plans to strategically replace A380s with other widebody aircraft across its long-haul network. The route rearrangement affects key destinations, such as Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK).
Korean Air A380 Flights Suspension?
According to Ishrion Aviation, Korean Air will make the following alterations to its A380-operated routes:
Korean Air will use only Boeing 747-8 aircraft on the Los Angeles route, while the New York flights will henceforth be served exclusively by Boeing 777-300ERs.
According to Ishrion Aviation’s current study, no new A380 flights are anticipated for Korean Air’s summer 2025 network. The A380 is expected to return to the Los Angeles route in late October 2025, though this timeframe is subject to change.
The fleet restructuring coincides with Korean Air’s recent acquisition of Asiana Airlines (OZ), which may have further implications for future aircraft deployment tactics. Notably, Asiana continues to operate two daily A380 flights to Los Angeles, which provides an interesting contrast to Korean Air’s current stance.
The lengthy seven-month absence of Korean Air’s A380s reveals more than just a refurbishment. Given the recent merger of Korean Air and Asiana, this lengthy schedule change is most likely indicative of a deliberate fleet rationalization strategy.
The timing is consistent with industry rumors about the A380’s eventual retirement.
Korean Air and Asiana Airlines currently operate four daily flights to Los Angeles (LAX), two by Korean Air (formerly A380, now 747s and 777s) and two by Asiana (continuing with A380s). The crucial observation is the large overlap in capacity, particularly given the identical arrival and departure periods.
Asiana Merger
Following the merger of Asiana and Korean Air, South Korea will have seven out of ten domestic carriers. According to Cirium analysts, Korean Air, along with all of its subsidiaries, will dominate the market with around 50% share.
The 1.8 trillion won ($1.4 billion) purchase for a 63.9 percent interest in Asiana Airlines will accelerate Korean Air’s expansion plans.
Korean Air and Asiana Airlines will maintain separate operating identities for the next two years, with Asiana acting as a subsidiary of Korean Air. This well organized transition strategy allows for a logical approach to airline integration.
The merger roadmap stresses three main objectives: systematic personnel relocation, Asiana’s financial stability, and rigorous operational consolidation.
The amalgamated firm has high global positioning goals, including becoming the world’s seventh-largest airline by passenger traffic. This strategic strategy is supported by a large fleet of around 250 aircraft, which will greatly improve the carrier’s worldwide connectivity and competitive market position.