Air Incheon has made history by becoming the first cargo airline in South Korea to attain full membership of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The airline received the certification on October 8, marking a significant step in its strategic growth.
This milestone follows Air Incheon’s achievement of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification on April 5, after successfully meeting international safety and quality standards.
The IOSA audit is recognised worldwide as a benchmark for airline safety and operational management.
Seung-Hwan Lee, CEO of Air Incheon, commented on the achievement: “We are honoured to become the sixth IATA member airline in South Korea.
“This is a key milestone for Air Incheon, reinforcing our commitment to delivering top-tier air cargo solutions.
“Our IATA membership will further enhance our operational safety, enabling us to contribute to the global air logistics and aviation sectors.”
As a new IATA member, Air Incheon will adopt the organisation’s operational and safety standards, ensuring compliance with international safety management practices.
The airline also plans to utilise IATA’s financial and operational solutions to improve efficiency across its operations.
In a major development, Air Incheon is set to integrate Asiana Airlines’ cargo business starting from July 1, 2025.
The airline was named the preferred bidder for the acquisition in June, as part of Korean Air’s ongoing process to acquire Asiana Airlines.
A “basic business sale agreement” between Korean Air and Air Incheon was finalised in August.
The acquisition is expected to expand Air Incheon’s reach across domestic and international cargo markets.
By incorporating Asiana’s cargo operations, Air Incheon aims to solidify its position as a major player in the global air cargo sector.
Lee said: “With the integration of Asiana’s cargo operations, we plan to enhance our network and service offerings by 2025.
“Our IATA membership will play a crucial role in supporting this expansion and ensuring seamless, safe, and efficient cargo operations.”- caasint
