Korean Air takes safety training to new heights ahead of merger

Korean Air is strengthening its safety capabilities in preparation for its upcoming merger with Asiana Airlines in December, expanding its repair facilities and pre-emptively integrating flight attendant training, putting passenger safety first.

Starting in the first half of the year, cabin crew for the two airlines are undergoing the same training, utilizing a uniform system to minimize confusion and enhance customer experience.

Over the last year, the companies completed the integration of an online training system, building on a live online education program and standardizing the Full Flight Simulator training and assessment system invented by the two airlines.

The companies also successfully passed the first integrated emergency evacuation demonstration under the supervision of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, part of the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) plan.

The cabin crew from the two airlines completed tests including interviews and demonstrations regarding emergency situations, with a successful emergency response demonstration aboard a Boeing 737-900 and a 787-9.

Korean Air is also investing heavily in maintenance in response to its growing fleet, beginning construction of a large hangar near Incheon International Airport, along with the establishment of an Engine Test Cell (ETC) where repaired engines are examined.

The new hangar, a 176 billion won ($113 million) investment occupying a 69,299-square-meter (745,930-square-foot) site, will sit near Terminal 2. The building, which can accommodate two medium-to-large planes and one smaller unit, is expected to be operational by 2029, servicing a fleet of around 300 aircraft, while the ETC and the “Korean Air Engine Maintenance Cluster” will allow engine repair to be completed at a single venue.

The company also conducts a health and safety inspection every quarter, with the vice president of safety and the head of the airline’s labor union attending briefings and fielding feedback from workers while examining repair sites to enhance safety ahead of the merger.

Korean Air’s management policies are centered on passengers’ safety. Starting Jan. 26, the company’s restriction on the in-flight use of portable batteries took effect as a key safety initiative, brought about in response to an in-flight fire incident. As a result, power banks can be brought on a flight but cannot be used in a bid to enhance safety for passengers and crew alike.

The company is also taking a zero-tolerance approach to any behavior that threatens safety, especially the unauthorized opening of an emergency exit. The stringent adherence to a safety-first approach was developed in response to a 2023 incident aboard an Asiana flight, during which a disgruntled passenger opened a cabin door.

“Customers’ perspectives on the merger are mixed with anticipation and anxiety,” said Cho Won-tae, CEO of Hanjin Group, during a commemorative address in March. “This will be the very time to earn customer trust by implementing strengthened safety standards and providing the best service. I hope all employees will take a belt-and-braces approach towards our utmost value, safety and service.”

The aviation safety policy is consistently applied to every subsidiary under Hanjin Group. The company’s “Safety Roundtable” addresses safety management systems and aviation safety policies for Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan, Air Seoul and the Korean Airport Service.

BY LEE DAHYUN [[email protected]]