Seoul: The board of directors of Korean Air and the shareholders of Asiana Airlines have formally approved their merger agreement, with plans to finalize the integration and merger registration by December 17, 2026. This significant development marks a milestone in the partnership between South Korea's major airlines.

According to Philippines News Agency, Korean Air's board ratified the merger agreement on Wednesday, meeting the small-scale merger requirements as stipulated by Article 527-3 of Korea's Commercial Act. Asiana Airlines also secured shareholder approval, with an impressive 81.86 percent shareholder attendance and 99.3 percent voting in favor of the merger.

The two airlines are now focusing on operational readiness, prioritizing systems integration, joint training, and team engagement in preparation for the launch. Following conditional merger approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport last June and the clearance of its merger registration statement in July, Korean Air is advancing its post-merger integration roadmap. The airline is also working on amendments to its air operator certificate and international operational permits in consultation with relevant authorities.

The approvals formally ratify the merger agreement executed by both boards in May 2026, setting the stage for a significant transformation in the South Korean aviation industry.