Korean Air’s board of directors and Asiana Airlines’ shareholders have formally approved a merger agreement, according to an announcement. The two carriers plan to launch an “integrated airline” on Dec. 17.

Korean Air, according to the announcement, continues to advance its post-merger integration roadmap. Following conditional merger approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) on June 25 and clearance of its merger registration statement on July 24, the airline, said the announcement, is proceeding with Air Operator Certificate (AOC) amendments and international operational permits in close consultation with relevant authorities.

With merger approvals finalized, said the announcement, the two airlines are accelerating operational readiness, focusing on systems integration, joint training and team engagement ahead of the launch.

Founded 55 years ago, according to the announcement, Korean Air carried more than 25 million passengers in 2025. With its global hub at Incheon International Airport, the airline serves 116 cities in 39 countries on five continents with a modern fleet of 166 aircraft and over 20,000 employees.

Korean Air is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance and, according to the announcement, has grown into one of the largest transpacific airlines through its joint venture with Delta Air Lines.