In a landmark move for the regional freight aviation sector, South Korean cargo airline Air Incheon has completed its acquisition of Asiana Airlines’ cargo operations and officially rebranded as AirZeta, effective 1 August 2025.
In a statement posted on its website, the newly rebranded carrier confirmed that it has completed all required procedures to absorb Asiana’s international cargo business, including its dedicated freighter operations and related assets.
“Our company has completed the necessary procedures for the division of the business of Asiana Airlines, Inc. that involves the transportation of international cargo using freighters and related businesses, followed by a merger by absorption into our company,” AirZeta announced.
The $322.5 million acquisition was mandated by the European Union as a condition for approving Korean Air’s $1.3 billion takeover of Asiana Airlines, addressing regulatory concerns over reduced competition on air cargo routes between Europe and South Korea.
The transaction was greenlit by Asiana shareholders in February 2025, and the full transfer of cargo-related assets was completed by the end of July. This included 10 Boeing 747 freighters and one Boeing 767 freighter, significantly bolstering AirZeta’s fleet.
According to Planespotters, AirZeta’s post-merger fleet now comprises:
- 9 Boeing 747-400Fs
- 1 Boeing 767-300F
- 4 Boeing 737-400Fs
The creation of AirZeta signals a major restructuring in South Korea’s cargo aviation landscape. The newly expanded airline is now poised to become a significant force in global air freight, particularly on long-haul routes connecting Asia, Europe, and North America.
Korean Air initially proposed the acquisition of Asiana Airlines in November 2020, but the deal faced prolonged delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing scrutiny from international competition authorities. In a bid to secure EU approval, Korean Air agreed in late 2023 to divest Asiana’s cargo division.
With its rebranding and a powerful widebody fleet, AirZeta is expected to play a pivotal role in the evolving dynamics of global cargo transportation and enhance competition on key transcontinental lanes.