Korean Air vs Air Busan

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.

Overview

Air Busan is a low-cost airline based in Busan, South Korea. According to Wikipedia, it was established on 31 August 2007 as a joint venture between the city of Busan and Asiana Airlines, and began flying in October 2008. Asiana was its largest shareholder and, after Asiana's merger with Korean Air, Air Busan became part of the Korean Air group's low-cost carrier consolidation. It is not a member of an alliance.

The airline remains in operation, but a merger is planned. CAPA reports that Air Busan, Jin Air and Air Seoul signed an agreement on 24 August 2026 to merge under the Jin Air brand, with launch expected on 17 March 2027. Shareholder votes are planned for December 2026, and regulatory approval is also needed. Until then, Air Busan tickets are sold under the Air Busan name.

Network and hubs

Gimhae International Airport in Busan is the main hub, and Air Busan uses its expanded international terminal. Wikipedia lists about 35 destinations, with domestic services such as Busan to Seoul Gimpo and Jeju, and international routes in Japan and elsewhere in Asia. International flights from Busan to Fukuoka began in 2010. Jin Air and Air Busan began a domestic codeshare on 6 January 2026 covering Gimpo-Busan, Jeju-Busan and Jeju-Ulsan (ch-aviation).

Fleet

The fleet is all Airbus A320 family. As of August 2025, Wikipedia lists 20 aircraft: five A320-200, seven A321-200, six A321neo and two A321LR. Flightradar24 currently lists 21 aircraft, so the count varies by source and date.

On board

Air Busan is a low-cost carrier with a single-class layout on most aircraft. Simple Flying reports a seat pitch of 31-32 inches on its A321s. Details of meals, entertainment and Wi-Fi were not confirmed in the sources reviewed, so check the airline's website before travelling.

Good to know

• Cabin baggage: third-party sources state one bag of up to 10 kg is allowed (55 x 40 x 20 cm). Checked baggage allowances vary by fare and route, so confirm on airbusan.com.
• Safety: on 28 January 2025 an A321 caught fire at Gimhae before departure, and all 176 people on board were evacuated (Aviation Herald).
• Loyalty: Wikipedia lists Asiana Club as the frequent-flyer programme. This may change with the merger.
• Merger: bookings and policies may change after the planned March 2027 integration into Jin Air.