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First Asiana Airlines aircraft in Korean Air colors enters service
September 11th 2026
This week, Asiana Airlines put into service an Airbus A321 registered as HL8018, painted in Korean Air (KAL) colors. Read More » KAL’s logo was applied to the tail, wingtips, and engines, while the Asiana Airlines name was presented on the fuselage. The aircraft recently underwent repainting in Guangzhou and, on September 9, 2026, started operating flights from Seoul Gimpo Airport. Local media reported that the aircraft was repainted in Korean Air’s livery, colors, and logo, with approval from government authorities, in line with its maintenance and repainting schedule. Once the integration of the two airlines is complete on December 17, 2026, the Asiana Airlines name on the fuselage will also be replaced with “Korean,” and the aircraft will operate under the new branding.
Asiana Airlines will also be updating its seat numbering system to match KAL. In most aircraft, business class rows will shift to start at row 7 instead of row 1, and rows will shift to start at row 28 instead of row 10 in economy class. The new numbering applies to flights operating from December 14 to December 16, 2026.
Ahead of the merger, the two carriers continue to integrate staff by sharing joint activities. Throughout August and September, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines have conducted a series of joint community initiatives, supporting local communities and fostering collaboration ahead of their integration.
