Korean Air’s acquisition of Asiana Airlines, first announced in late 2020, was finalized in December 2024, setting the stage for the creation of a new mega-carrier in Asia. This move positions the unified airline as one of the world’s top carriers and fundamentally reshapes the travel landscape in South Korea.

But the journey is far from over. The integration process is proving to be complex, marked by significant brand changes, timeline extensions, and a major regulatory roadblock that has thrown the loyalty program merger into question.

This article covers the key milestones and details the impact on loyalty programs, alliances, award travel, route networks, and future timelines, incorporating the very latest developments.

Korean Air website before the merger with Asiana Airlines (subject to change in Late 2025) Asiana Airlinesr website before the merger with Korean Air (subject to change in Late 2025)

Key Highlights

  • Major Setback on Loyalty Programs: South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission (FTC) rejected the initial SKYPASS-Asiana Club mileage integration plan in June 2025, citing a lack of consumer protection. This is the biggest hurdle remaining.
  • Integration Timeline Delayed: The full merger and disappearance of the Asiana brand is now targeted for January 1, 2027, a delay from the original 2026 plan.
  • Bold New “KOREAN” Branding: Korean Air has unveiled a major rebrand, its first in 41 years, featuring a simplified “KOREAN” livery that will be rolled out across the combined fleet.
  • Asiana Exits Star Alliance: The combined airline will operate exclusively within SkyTeam. This represents a significant loss of connectivity for Star Alliance loyalists in the region.
  • Fleet Plans Adjusted: Retirement of the A380 and 747-8 fleets has been postponed due to aircraft delivery delays, meaning these jumbo jets will fly “well into the 2030s.”
  • LCCs to Merge Under Jin Air: Korean Air’s Jin Air will absorb Asiana’s Air Busan and Air Seoul, creating a dominant low-cost carrier in South Korea.

Loyalty Program Integration: SKYPASS & Asiana Club

One of the merger’s most impactful customer changes is the integration of Korean Air’s SKYPASS (SkyTeam) and Asiana’s Asiana Club (Star Alliance).

NEW UPDATE (June 12, 2025): FTC Rejects Initial Mileage Integration Plan South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has rejected Korean Air’s first proposal for merging the two loyalty programs. The regulator found the plan lacked sufficient detail to protect consumers, particularly regarding:

  • Unclear Conversion Ratios: The plan did not provide clear conversion rates for Asiana Club miles. Industry sources suggest a less favorable rate was proposed for miles earned from non-flight activities (like credit cards) compared to miles earned from flying.
  • Reduced Redemption Options: The FTC determined that the proposal offered fewer ways for members to use their miles compared to what Asiana Club currently provides.
  • Consumer Disadvantages: The regulator has mandated that the revised plan must protect the trust of Asiana’s customers and ensure they are not disadvantaged.

Korean Air is now required to revise and resubmit the integration plan, which has become a key hurdle for the merger’s final stages. The two programs have a combined 45 million members and approximately 3.7 trillion won ($2.7 billion) in unused miles.

Member Alert: What This Means For You

The FTC’s rejection means the value of your Asiana Club miles is currently in limbo. The single greatest strength of Asiana Club today is its access to high-value Star Alliance partner awards. This access is guaranteed to disappear. Waiting for a potentially unfavorable conversion ratio into SKYPASS is a significant gamble.

Calculate the Impact: Asiana to SKYPASS Mileage Conversion Simulator

The biggest question for Asiana Club members is: what will my miles be worth? The FTC’s rejection hinges on this point. While a 1:1 conversion for flight-earned miles is hoped for, miles from other sources could be devalued. Use our simulator to see what different ratios could mean for your balance.

1.00
Pessimistic (0.5) Expected (1.0) Optimistic (1.5)
You would get approximately: 100,000 Korean Air SKYPASS Miles
See awards flights you can book on SkyTeam Airlines
  • Interim Period: Until fully merged, SKYPASS and Asiana Club continue independently, allowing normal earning and redemption.
  • Alliance Impact: After integration, Asiana exits Star Alliance. Customers lose Star Alliance privileges but gain SkyTeam benefits.

Star Alliance loyalists (such as United Airlines frequent flyers) should be aware of this significant shift, which reduces connectivity options in South Korea.

Asiana Club will disappear and members will be combined with SKYPASS members.

Award Travel and Elite Status Adjustments

Award travel and elite status will significantly evolve as the loyalty programs merge.

  • Mileage Conversion: Asiana Club miles will likely convert into SKYPASS at a specified ratio. The exact ratio is a point of contention, pending the revised plan to the FTC.
  • Elite Status Matching: Asiana’s elite tiers (Silver, Diamond, Diamond Plus, etc.) will be matched to equivalent SKYPASS tiers.
  • Star Alliance Benefits End: Post-integration, Asiana elites lose Star Alliance Gold benefits but gain SkyTeam Elite or Elite Plus perks, including lounge access, priority boarding, and additional baggage allowance.
  • Award Availability Concerns: Asiana has been known for generous Star Alliance award availability. Korean Air has committed to communicating redemption rule changes well in advance.

A Note on Elite Status

When the programs merge, your Asiana status will be mapped to a corresponding SKYPASS tier. For example, Asiana Diamond (Star Alliance Gold) will likely become a SKYPASS tier that offers SkyTeam Elite Plus benefits. While you keep your elite recognition, the network of lounges and partner airlines where you can use those benefits will change completely from Star Alliance to SkyTeam.

Frequent flyers should closely monitor announcements in mid-to-late 2025 and strategically redeem miles under current programs if targeting specific Star Alliance awards.

Route Network Optimization and Fleet Integration

The merger brings a streamlined and expanded global network:

  • Overlapping Routes Streamlined: Duplicate routes (e.g., Seoul–Los Angele s) will have optimized frequencies and aircraft.
  • Capacity Maintenance: Korean authorities require the combined airline to maintain at least 90% of 2019 seat capacity, preventing significant reductions.
  • Regulatory Concessions: To secure regulatory approval, Korean Air agreed to transfer four of Asiana’s profitable European routes (to Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, and Barcelona) to competing low-cost carrier T’way Air. Additionally, it sold Asiana’s cargo division to Air Incheon.
  • Mega-hub Development: Seoul’s Incheon Airport strengthened as a major global connecting hub.
Korean Air and Asiana Airlines networks combined will be massive: optimized routes, frequencies and modern aircraft. (FlightConnections)

Fleet Integration and Modernization

  • Unified Brand: Asiana’s brand and livery will be phased out; the combined fleet operates under a new Korean Air’s branding. In March 2025, the airline unveiled its first major redesign in 41 years, featuring a simplified “KOREAN” wordmark and a modernized, all-blue Taegeuk symbol.
  • Fleet Expansion & Modernization: Combined fleet of around 240-250 aircraft places Korean Air among the top 12 largest global airlines.
  • Aircraft Retirement Postponed: Korean Air has postponed the retirement of its A380 and Boeing 747-8 fleets due to new aircraft delivery delays. The A380s are now expected to fly “well into the 2030s,” extending their service life beyond the original 2026 target.
  • LCC Subsidiaries Merger: It is confirmed that Korean Air’s Jin Air will absorb Asiana’s Air Busan and Air Seoul subsidiaries, creating a dominant low-cost carrier in South Korea.

The Merger Playbook: A Visual Timeline of What’s Happened and What’s Next

Here is a visual breakdown of the merger’s key milestones, from its inception to its new expected completion date.

November 2020

The Proposal

Korean Air announces its ambitious plan to acquire its main rival, Asiana Airlines, aiming to create a single, dominant national carrier.

December 2024

The Deal is Done

After securing approval from 14 global regulatory bodies, Korean Air officially acquires a 63.88% stake in Asiana Airlines. The acquisition is finalized.

March 2025

A New Identity

Korean Air unveils its bold new "KOREAN" branding and livery, signaling the visual future of the merged airline.

June 2025

Regulatory Roadblock

The FTC rejects the initial mileage integration plan. This crucial step must be successfully revised and resubmitted before the full merger can proceed, causing potential delays.

Late 2025 (Expected)

Round Two for Loyalty

Korean Air is expected to submit its revised, more consumer-friendly loyalty program integration plan to the FTC for approval.

January 1, 2027

Full Integration Complete

The Asiana brand is fully absorbed, its operations are merged into Korean Air, and the two airlines officially begin to operate as a single entity under the "KOREAN" brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions Answered

When will my Asiana miles become SKYPASS miles?

The exact date is now uncertain due to the FTC’s rejection of the initial plan. The integration was expected in late 2025, but this is now likely delayed into 2026. For now, the two programs remain separate.

Should I use my Asiana miles now or wait?

Our strong recommendation is to use them now, especially if you value Star Alliance partner awards (like on Lufthansa, ANA, or United). The future conversion rate into SKYPASS is unknown, and you will lose access to all Star Alliance partners once the programs merge.

What happens to my Asiana elite status (e.g., Diamond)?

Your status will be matched to an equivalent tier in Korean Air’s SKYPASS program. Asiana Diamond, which gives Star Alliance Gold benefits, will likely be mapped to a SKYPASS tier offering SkyTeam Elite Plus benefits. You will not lose elite status, but the alliance benefits will change.

Can I still book award flights on Lufthansa or United with my Asiana miles?

Yes, for now. Until Asiana officially exits Star Alliance (expected in 2026), you can continue to redeem your Asiana Club miles for flights on all Star Alliance partners according to the current award charts. This is the key value you should aim to use.

Is the 1:1 mileage conversion guaranteed?

No. The FTC specifically cited unclear conversion ratios as a reason for rejecting the plan. While miles earned directly from flights have a good chance of converting at 1:1, miles earned from credit cards and other non-flight activities may convert at a less favorable rate. This is a primary risk of waiting.

Book Award Flights On Korean Air

Imagine flying to Paris in a lie-flat business class seat for the price of an economy ticket. On average, AwardFares premium users get 3x-7x more value from their points, regularly booking $5,000+ flights at a fraction of the cost.

AwardFares is the easiest way to find the cheapest and most convenient award flights across multiple frequent flyer programs. It takes just seconds and a few clicks to get started. You can create an account and try it for free here.

For access to even more powerful features like unlimited daily searches, alerts, seat maps, and flight schedules, explore our Gold and Diamond membership tiers here.

Read More

Our guides have all the information you need to be a pro travel hacker and explore the world on points. Here are some related posts you might enjoy: