SEOUL- Air Zeta (KJ), formerly Air Incheon, has officially launched as South Korea’s 2nd largest cargo airline. This follows the completion of the acquisition of Asiana Airlines’ (OZ) cargo division.
The rebranding comes after the finalization of a ₩470 billion ($338 million) deal. The newly named carrier is now positioned for expansion through Incheon International Airport (ICN), its main operational hub.
Photo: Air IncheonAir Zeta 2nd Largest Cargo Airline
Air Incheon unveiled Air Zeta (KJ) after finalizing the acquisition of Asiana Airlines’ (OZ) cargo operations. The deal marks the completion of a strategic process nearly two years in the making.
This transition represents a significant shift in South Korea’s logistics industry. It positions Air Zeta just behind Korean Air in terms of national cargo market share.
The move was triggered by antitrust conditions laid out by international regulators to greenlight the Korean Air–Asiana merger.
Asiana’s cargo unit was a key asset, long regarded for its expansive long-haul freight capabilities. The Korean Herald reported that officials chose Air Incheon as the preferred bidder in June 2024, and Air Incheon rebranded itself as Air Zeta to reflect its new global vision.
The company slogan, “Beyond Asia to the World,” encapsulates its goal to provide seamless cargo solutions from origin to destination.
Photo: By lasta29 – Asiana Airlines, A380-800, HL7634, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40260026Acquisition and Regulation
The ₩470 billion ($338 million) deal was announced in a regulatory filing by Asiana Airlines. It served as a regulatory prerequisite for the Korean Air–Asiana merger.
Authorities such as the European Commission and Japan’s Fair Trade Commission reviewed the transaction. They mandated the sale to prevent a cargo monopoly in key global markets.
This acquisition gives Air Zeta 15 dedicated freighters, 11 transferred from Asiana and 4 from the original Air Incheon fleet. The combined capabilities enable the carrier to serve 21 strategic cargo routes across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Photo: By Hyeonwoo Noh – http://www.airliners.net/photo/Korean-Air/Airbus-A380-861/2515862/L/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38818177Operational Expansion
With its enhanced fleet and workforce, now numbering 1,000 employees, Air Zeta begins operations as South Korea’s 2nd largest cargo airline.
Korean Air still dominates with a 67% market share, but Air Zeta’s expanded route network and long-haul capabilities give it a strong foothold in global air logistics.
Air Zeta’s cargo services will include short-haul connections to China and Vietnam as well as transcontinental routes inherited from Asiana, focusing on Europe and the Americas.
The carrier’s first official flight under the new brand departed from Incheon International Airport (ICN) on Friday, signaling its readiness for full-scale operations.
Strategic Focus
Air Zeta plans to strengthen its role in high-margin sectors such as e-commerce, specialty freight, and time-sensitive logistics.
The airline aims to become a competitive air logistics platform by leveraging advanced digital systems, optimized cargo handling, and global partnerships.
CEO Kim Kwan-sik emphasized a commitment to innovation and customer-focused cargo solutions during the launch event.
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