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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Seoul, September 30 – The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) announced on the 30th that Korean Air will maintain separate mileage programs for Korean Air and Asiana Airlines customers for 10 years following their merger.
Under the proposed mileage integration plan, Asiana Club miles converted into Korean Air miles will follow a ratio of 1:1 for flight mileage and 1:0.82 for partner mileage. This means Asiana Club members will enjoy additional benefits, as their miles can be redeemed for flight tickets and seat upgrades at more favorable rates compared to Korean Air’s partner program. A new membership tier will also be introduced, ensuring that Asiana Club members receive equal or enhanced benefits compared to their existing tier.
Even after the dissolution of Asiana Airlines as a corporate entity, members will retain the option to use Asiana Club miles directly without conversion. Conversely, Korean Air members will be able to redeem their miles for Asiana flights.
Mileage integration ratios have been one of the most closely watched issues among consumers since the merger was first announced. The final conversion rates are set at 1:1 for flight mileage and 1:0.82 for partner mileage, compared with a 1:0.9 ratio previously suggested in a National Assembly Research Service report late last year.
The KFTC plans to collect public feedback from airline consumers and stakeholders over the next two weeks before deciding whether to grant approval for the proposed integration plan.
A Korean Air representative stated:
“The 1:1 ratio for flight mileage reflects the similarity in both airlines’ accumulation standards, while the 0.82 ratio for partner mileage considers the relative costs borne by consumers. Once the KFTC completes its review and approval process, Korean Air will proceed with the necessary steps in accordance with the commission’s decision.”
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
