Air Incheon Accelerates Preparations for Integration with Asiana Airlines Cargo Division

Relocating to Integrated Headquarters in Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu
Applying for Cargo Route Operation Permits

Air Incheon, the only domestic cargo-only airline acquiring Asiana Airlines' cargo division, is accelerating preparations for integration in July.

According to the aviation industry on the 16th, Air Incheon will relocate its office to an integrated building within the 'Magok One Grove,' a business and commercial complex in Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, in preparation for personnel transfer and business expansion. The move-in is expected to take place in early May.

The new office has a dedicated area of approximately 4,132㎡, where a total of about 1,000 employees will work, including Air Incheon's existing 200 staff and around 800 personnel from Asiana Airlines' cargo division.

Approval processes with domestic and international aviation authorities are underway to fully absorb Asiana Airlines' global cargo network. Air Incheon is currently applying to the U.S. Department of Transportation for cargo route operation permits on five routes operated by Asiana Airlines, including Incheon to Los Angeles (LA).

Simultaneously, approval procedures are being pursued to open routes to China, Japan, Europe, and Southeast Asia. To prepare for route operations to the U.S. and Europe, Air Incheon leased its first long-haul cargo aircraft, a B747-400F, from Asiana Airlines earlier this month. Until now, Air Incheon has operated only B737-800 cargo aircraft for medium- and short-haul routes.

Following the integration, Air Incheon plans to receive an additional 10 aircraft, including nine B747-400Fs and one B767-300F, bringing its total fleet to 15 aircraft and operating on 21 strategic routes.

As of last year, Air Incheon transported 39,929 tons of cargo at Incheon International Airport, holding a 1.3% market share. Absorbing Asiana Airlines' cargo volume of 437,387 tons from last year will boost the market share to 16.1%.

Meanwhile, on the 16th of last month, Air Incheon signed the main division and merger contract to acquire the cargo division from Asiana Airlines for 470 billion KRW. Asiana Airlines plans to hold a shareholders' meeting on the 25th to approve the contract agenda.