Air Incheon Becomes AirZeta After Asiana Freighter Deal
South Korea’s Air Incheon has officially rebranded as AirZeta following the acquisition of Asiana Airlines’ dedicated freighter business, completed on August 1, 2025. The rebranding marks a major shift for the cargo carrier, which has significantly expanded its fleet, workforce, and market presence.
Asiana Airlines ended its dedicated freighter operations on July 31, with the final U.S.-origin flights arriving that day. AirZeta took over the aircraft and routes the next morning, concluding Asiana’s 31-year history in cargo aviation.
According to ch-aviation and Flightradar24 ADS-B data, nine of the 11 Asiana freighters had already transitioned to AirZeta’s KJ flight code by August 1. These included three Boeing 747-400(BDSF)s, five Boeing 747-400FSCDs, and one Boeing 767-300F. The remaining aircraft are parked at Seoul Incheon pending final transfer.
The deal was part of regulatory conditions imposed during the Korean Air-Asiana merger process. AirZeta paid KRW470 billion (USD335 million) for Asiana’s cargo division, funded by a KRW820 billion (USD590 million) capital raise. The move faced resistance from Air Incheon’s former owner and shareholder Park Yong-kwang but ultimately proceeded.
Before the acquisition, AirZeta operated four Boeing 737-800(SF)s and one Boeing 747-400(BDSF). The Asiana deal brings a significant scale-up, including the absorption of 800 Asiana cargo employees, raising AirZeta’s total workforce to around 1,000.
Korean Air continues to operate its own cargo fleet, including Boeing 747-400ERFs, 747-8Fs, and 777-200Fs, alongside AirZeta’s newly integrated operations. The rebranding positions AirZeta as a major player in Asia’s air cargo sector.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com