Cathay Pacific vs Korean Air

Overview

Cathay Pacific is the flag carrier of Hong Kong. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in 1946 by Roy Farrell and Sydney de Kantzow, and its head office is Cathay City at Hong Kong International Airport. As of May 2026 its major shareholders are Swire Pacific and Air China. It is a founding member of the oneworld alliance. The wider Cathay Group also includes HK Express and Cathay Cargo.

Network and hubs

The sole hub is Hong Kong International Airport. The airline and its subsidiaries serve more than 190 destinations in over 60 countries, including through codeshares and joint ventures. Cathay Pacific's January 2026 traffic release reported 11% more passengers than January 2025, and a single-day record of 100,747 passengers on 14 February 2026.

Fleet

According to the Cathay Pacific fleet page on Wikipedia, as of December 2025 the airline operates 159 passenger aircraft and 20 Boeing 747 freighters:

• 16 Airbus A321neo
• 43 Airbus A330-300
• 30 Airbus A350-900 and 18 A350-1000
• 52 Boeing 777-300 and 777-300ER

Orders include more A321neo, 30 A330-900, 8 A350F freighters and 35 Boeing 777-9, with 777-9 deliveries due from 2027.

On board

Cabins vary by aircraft. Business, Premium Economy and Economy are widely offered, and some Boeing 777-300ER aircraft have First class. Refurbished 777-300ERs have the new Aria Suites and Premium Economy, and A330s are due to be refitted with Aria Studio and new Economy seats. Seat pitch, meal and entertainment details vary by aircraft and route, so check the airline's website for your flight.

Good to know

• Punctuality: Cirium data reported by the South China Morning Post gave a 78.13% on-time arrival rate for April 2025, ninth among Asia-Pacific airlines.
• Lounges: In Hong Kong the business lounges are The Wing, The Pier and The Deck. Cathay Pacific announced a redesigned The Wing in April 2026.
• Loyalty: The Marco Polo Club programme gives lounge access by tier. Diamond members may bring two guests, Gold one guest, and Silver members enter alone.
• Baggage: Allowances depend on route, cabin and fare, so check the booking before travelling.

Overview

Korean Air is the flag carrier of South Korea and, by Wikipedia's account, its largest airline by fleet size, international destinations and international flights. The company traces its history to Korean Air Lines, founded in June 1962 as a state-owned carrier. The Hanjin Group acquired it in 1969, and Hanjin remains the owner. Korean Air is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance and has been rated a Skytrax 5-star airline.

Korean Air completed its acquisition of a major stake in Asiana Airlines on 12 December 2024. According to ch-aviation, Korean Air will absorb Asiana on 17 December 2026. FlightGlobal reported in August 2026 that the board and Asiana shareholders had approved the merger. Until then, Asiana still operates under its own name.

Network and hubs

• Main hubs: Seoul Incheon and Seoul Gimpo.
• Focus cities: Busan and Jeju.
• Wikipedia lists about 108 destinations; the carrier serves Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania and the Middle East, plus domestic routes.

Fleet

Wikipedia, retrieved in September 2026, gives a mainline fleet of about 169 aircraft. This figure excludes Asiana and the group's low-cost carriers (Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul). In September 2026 AviTrader reported that Korean Air had finalised an order for 103 Boeing aircraft: 20 777-9s, 25 787-10s, 50 737-10s and eight 777-8 Freighters. Its stated long-term plan standardises on the Boeing 777, 787 and 737 and the Airbus A350 and A321neo, according to Economy Class & Beyond.

On board

• Cabins: First (on selected aircraft), Prestige (business), Premium Economy and Economy.
• Entertainment: the seatback system offers films, TV, music and games. Wikipedia notes that some aircraft have Bluetooth headphone connectivity and Wi-Fi.
• Seat pitch and meal details vary by aircraft and route; check the airline's website when booking.

Good to know

• Baggage: a 2026 trip.com guide gives international checked allowances of one 23 kg piece in Economy and Premium Economy, two 32 kg pieces in Prestige and three 32 kg pieces in First. Allowances differ on domestic and some regional routes, so confirm on koreanair.com.
• Loyalty: the frequent-flyer programme is SKYPASS, and it is part of the SkyTeam network.
• Safety: the airline was once known for fatal accidents, but its record has improved significantly since the early 2000s.
• Asiana merger: expect schedule, branding and alliance changes around 17 December 2026. Asiana is due to leave Star Alliance and join SkyTeam, according to AwardFares.