Korean Air Unveils New Logo After 41 Years

Korean Air new logo was officially revealed on March 11 at the airline’s headquarters in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. This marks the first change in 41 years. The airline removed the traditional red and blue Taegeuk mark and adopted a sleek dark blue design.

Korean Air New Logo and Aircraft Design

At the Rising Night event, Korean Air introduced the redesigned logo. The airline replaced the red and blue elements of the Taegeuk symbol with a single dark blue color. Jang Sung-Hyun, the airline’s vice president, emphasized that this update enhances Korean elegance while maintaining its identity. Korean Air will gradually apply the new logo to aircraft, in-flight service items, and branding materials.

The airline also introduced a redesigned aircraft livery. The new look features a darker sky-blue shade with a metallic finish. The airline name on the fuselage changed from “KOREAN AIR” to “KOREAN,” following a design approach similar to American Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, and Thai Airways. The first aircraft with the new logo, a Boeing 787-10, will fly from Incheon to Tokyo Narita on flight KE703 on March 12.

Upgraded In-Flight Dining and Services

With the new logo, Korean Air is also enhancing in-flight meals. The airline collaborated with Kim Se-Kyung, owner-chef of Cesta, a fine dining restaurant in Seoul, to develop new meal options. Economy class passengers will have more variety, including salmon bibimbap, spicy stir-fried octopus with pork, tofu pad thai, spicy stir-fried eggplant, and rosé pasta.

First and business-class passengers will enjoy new Korean dishes like octopus rice, beef brisket bibimbap, and Sinseollo (a traditional Korean royal hotpot). Korean Air is also replacing plastic-packaged amenities, such as toothbrushes, with eco-friendly alternatives.

The airline will introduce the new logo and upgraded services on 10 major long-haul routes, including New York, Paris, and London, starting March 12. By June, these changes will apply to all long-haul flights. By September, they will extend to short- and medium-haul routes.

Korean Air’s Commitment to Safety and Future Plans

At the event, Cho Won-Tae, Chairman of Korean Air, emphasized safety as a top priority. He announced increased investments in aircraft maintenance and safety measures.

Regarding the integration of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines mileage programs, Cho stated that a “reasonable solution” is in progress and will be announced soon. The airline is also developing a new uniform, considering employee feedback, with plans to introduce it at the time of the merger.

BY KYOUNGJIN KIM, YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]