Korean Air Unveils New Livery After Asiana Merger
Korean Air, following the completion of its merger with fellow South Korean carrier Asiana Airlines, has launched a new corporate branding and aircraft livery that marks the rebirth of the expanded airline. The new visual identity was first seen on a Boeing 787-10 as it landed at Seoul-Gimpo Airport on March 10, 2025, with the official unveiling scheduled for the following day.
The updated livery replaces the airline’s longstanding design that was introduced nearly 41 years ago on March 1, 1984. The previous scheme, once a unique symbol of Korean Air’s family-friendly approach, featured a baby blue upper fuselage separated by a silver stripe from a white lower fuselage. The airline’s iconic Taegeuk logo appeared on the tail in the traditional colors of red, white, and navy blue, and it was also incorporated as the ‘O’ in the airline’s title on the forward fuselage in a classic font style. However, as global design trends have evolved, many carriers have shifted toward predominantly white fuselages with minimal color accents. Korean Air’s new design takes a modern approach while retaining elements that reflect its heritage.
The redesigned livery retains the overall blue color on the upper fuselage, but the titles have been enlarged to extend along the forward window line. The font has been updated to a more contemporary style in a darker blue tone, and the word “Air” has been removed so that the airline’s name is now presented simply as “Korean.” The tail continues to display the distinctive Taegeuk pattern, though it has been simplified and stylized, with the red now removed in favor of an outline in navy blue. This new design aligns with trends seen among European carriers, yet it remains true to Korean identity—a commitment underscored by the fact that the new logo design is similar to that registered by Hanjin Shipping Group, Korean Air’s holding company, in early 2022.
The aircraft sporting the new livery is one of Korean Air’s newest additions, having been delivered in July 2024. According to flight tracking data, the plane flew a commercial service from Fukuoka to Seoul on February 23, 2025, before being repositioned to Busan-Gimhae Airport for the repainting process. It then ferried empty from Busan to Seoul-Gimpo Airport on March 10, 2025, ahead of the official launch event on March 11.
At the launch, Korean Air emphasized that the updated logo and livery reflect a modern and global minimalist branding trend, while preserving the airline’s distinct identity. Chairman Cho Won-tae revealed that the process took almost three years to fine-tune. He recalled that when overseas designers initially presented draft versions of the new logo, they omitted the Taegeuk symbol—a design element Cho and his team insisted was essential, as it represents Korea’s identity.
Beyond the visual update, Korean Air outlined future plans aimed at quality-focused growth. The expanded carrier is set to consolidate its group airlines to achieve economies of scale and maintain rigorous safety standards. This includes integrating Air Busan and Air Seoul into its low-cost arm, Jin Air, by the end of 2026. Additionally, Korean Air is making significant investments in aircraft maintenance to support the converged airlines.
As the new visual assets roll out gradually across airport facilities, lounges, and in-flight environments, Korean Air’s rebranding signals a new era for the carrier. With a renewed focus on quality and efficiency, the airline is poised to strengthen its global presence while staying true to its cultural heritage.
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