SINGAPORE—The smooth integration of work culture between the MRO arms of Korean Air and Asiana is among the key focuses as the South Korean flag-carrier prepares for the impending merger between the two airlines.
With only a handful of regulators left to approve the merger, Korean Air is working on the transition and integration of new fleet and manpower.
“Our primary focus is on ensuring a smooth transition across various fronts. While integration of regulatory and technical aspects will be straightforward, harmonizing human and organizational cultures will be more challenging. Recognizing that cultural differences can hinder successful integration, we’re taking proactive steps to address this challenge,” Jong Seok Yoo, Korean Air EVP and chief safety and operating officer said. “Central to this effort is establishing open communication channels during the Asiana subsidiary phase to foster mutual understanding and collaboration between the two airlines.”
Korean Air is studying the possibility of servicing Asiana’s engines—particularly the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB on its Airbus A350-900s—at Korean’s new engine maintenance cluster in Unbuk, due for completion in the second quarter of 2027.
Asiana now operates 15 A350-900s. Korean recently finalized a deal for 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s.
The Unbuk facility will be Asia’s largest engine MRO plant and will be the cornerstone for Korean Air’s short- to medium-term MRO investments.
Yoo said Korean Air has engaged Ramco to develop a “smart factory” where Ramco will integrate a centralized enterprise resource planning system with Korean’s engine MRO functions. Once live in early 2026, it will also be integrated into the Unbuk facility.
Korean Air’s workforce is primarily sourced through local recruitment and training, and Yoo hopes to hire foreign talent should the law allow it.
“We face challenges in recruiting foreign talent due to various legal restrictions. These constraints limit our ability to tap into a broader talent pool from abroad,” Yoo said. “Resolving these issues is crucial for us to foster a more diverse and dynamic workforce, which is essential for expanding our operational footprint and strengthening the domestic MRO industry.”
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