By Don Amerman
The History of Asiana Airlines
Asiana Airlines celebrated its 20th birthday in 2008. Headquartered in the South Korean capital of Seoul, Asiana's domestic flights connect 12 cities within South Korea, while internationally it serves 67 cities in 20 countries. The airline handles both passengers and cargo, although its cargo operations are more limited globally, connecting 23 cities in 14 countries.
Early Years
Officially founded as Seoul Air International on Feb. 17, 1988, the airline named Hwang In-seoung as president in April of that year and inaugurated service on Dec. 23, 1988, with flights from Seoul to Busan and Gwangju. The second year of operation saw expansion of the airline's domestic flights, while 1990 brought the beginning of international service with its first flights to Tokyo in January and service to Hong Kong in December. In 1991, the airline's name was changed to Asiana, and the expansion of its international services continued with the addition of flights to Los Angeles in the United States, Thailand and Singapore. Park Sam-goo took over as the airline's new chief executive officer in January 1991.
Expansion Continues
The years from 1992 through 1995 witnessed rapid expansion of Asiana's services, both domestically and internationally. While flights to additional U.S. and Japanese cities were added, the airline also expanded its network to include Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Philippines, Russia and Vietnam, as well as the territories of Guam and Saipan. On Nov. 18, 1993, Asiana passed the 20 million-passenger mark.
Partnerships with Other Carriers
While continuing to expand flights, Asiana also took steps to forge a network of partnerships with other airlines worldwide. As early as 1994, the airline had signed a marketing alliance with Northwest Airlines, and in the latter half of the 1990s added agreements with other carriers, including American and China Eastern airlines. Between 2000 and 2003, accords were struck with Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, and on May 2, 2002, Asiana officially joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Awards Aplenty
In recent years, Asiana has been the recipient of numerous awards in recognition of its quality service and its reputation as a good employer. Awards have included Skytrax's 2004 Airline Excellence Award, the Korea Ethical Management Grand Prize, the Best Airline Service Award of the Korean Management Association, Skytrax's 2005 World's Best Cabin Staff and "Global Traveler" magazine's Best Onboard & Flight Attendants Award.
Future Looks Bright
Asiana's growing fleet is made up of various-sized aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus. As of late 2009, the fleet numbered almost 70 aircraft with another 60-plus on order. In April 2009 Asiana expanded its network of global partners with the addition of Air China and Shanghai Airlines.
Resources
About the Author:
Don Amerman has spent his entire professional career in the editorial field. For many years he was an editor and writer for The Journal of Commerce. Since 1996 he has been freelancing full-time, writing for a large number of print and online publishers including Gale Group, Charles Scribner’s Sons, Greenwood Publishing, Rock Hill Works and others.
Photo Credits:
_Gene_ (Gene Lee), http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2301/2072712351_04a17b0225_o.jpg
