Asiana Airlines

Asiana Airlines is a South Korean full-service carrier founded in 1988 as the country’s second major international airline. It operates scheduled passenger services under the OZ code while retaining its own name and brand. Korean Air became Asiana’s controlling shareholder in December 2024 following a long-planned acquisition, beginning a transitional period intended to lead to closer integration between the two airlines.

Seoul is Asiana’s busiest departure hub and the centre of its international network, with Busan and Jeju also supporting substantial operations. Beijing and Tokyo are further important departure points. The airline operates 282 routes serving 88 destinations across 29 countries, with particularly extensive links within East Asia. Its wider network reaches Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America and other long-haul markets.

Aircraft associated with Asiana’s operations include Airbus A319, A320, A321 and A330-family jets, including the A330-200 and A330-300. Recorded Boeing types include the 737-400, 737-500, 737-800 and 747-400, while the Airbus A340-300 and Boeing 747-400 Combi also form part of its broader equipment record. Economy and Business cabins are central to its full-service model, although seating and amenities vary by aircraft and route.

Asiana Airlines is a member of Star Alliance, giving eligible passengers access to reciprocal mileage earning, priority services and lounges across participating carriers. Its loyalty programme is Asiana Club, through which members can earn and redeem miles on Asiana and qualifying partner flights. Travellers should monitor official updates because the airline’s ownership transition may eventually affect alliance participation, account arrangements and reciprocal benefits.

Asiana’s main strength is its broad Asian network, which makes Seoul a practical connecting point for journeys between regional cities and long-haul markets. Routes to Beijing, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Bangkok, Shanghai and other major cities provide useful coverage. The continuing integration with Korean Air creates some uncertainty, however, and schedules, aircraft assignments, loyalty rules or branding may change as the process advances.