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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Internal conflicts among pilots over seniority rankings are intensifying across South Korea’s aviation industry, emerging as a key obstacle to post-merger integration among major carriers.
In the airline sector, captain promotion carries significance comparable to an employee becoming an executive. Pilots often wait around a decade from the time of hiring, making seniority one of the most sensitive issues within the profession.
According to industry sources on April 14, Air Zeta—formerly Air Incheon and newly formed after integrating the cargo business of Asiana Airlines—is facing significant internal turmoil while attempting to unify pilot seniority systems. As 225 pilots from Asiana joined the company, existing first officers from the legacy Air Incheon saw their promotion queues pushed back. In some cases, pilots who had been first in line for captain promotion were suddenly pushed back by as many as 100 positions.
Air Zeta has adopted Asiana’s previous rule restricting captain promotions for pilots aged 54 and older, a policy originally used to manage cargo pilots efficiently. As a result, some pilots in their 50s now face uncertainty over promotion prospects, prompting discussions of potential legal action.
The company stated that a joint labor-management task force, launched in September last year, had already agreed in principle to base seniority on total years of service while distinguishing between captains and first officers. It added that further consultations are ongoing, including discussions with individuals affected by the age-related criteria.
Meanwhile, tensions are also escalating ahead of the planned integration of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines into a “mega carrier” by the end of this year. The Korean Air Pilots Union (KAPU) is demanding that seniority rules be established through mutual agreement, citing provisions in the collective bargaining agreement. The union is preparing potential strike action, with 80% of participating members (57.6% of total membership) voting in favor during a recent authorization ballot.
Among Korean Air pilots, concerns have been raised that granting equal recognition of service years with Asiana counterparts could amount to reverse discrimination. They argue that differences in promotion systems—such as faster advancement for military-trained pilots at Asiana compared to civilian-trained pilots—could structurally delay promotions for existing Korean Air first officers if seniority lists are simply merged.
A Korean Air official said the company is continuing internal reviews and aims to establish a reasonable framework that will enable smooth organizational integration following the merger.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
