South Korea’s Air Carriers Vie for Asiana’s Cargo Wing in Pivotal Acquisition

Post originally Published April 29, 2024 || Last Updated April 30, 2024

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South Korea's Air Carriers Vie for Asiana's Cargo Wing in Pivotal Acquisition - Fierce Competition for Air Cargo Dominance


The Korean aviation industry is witnessing a fierce battle for the acquisition of Asiana Airlines' lucrative cargo business.

Korean Air, the country's flag carrier, has offered to sell Asiana's cargo division and divest routes to four EU cities in a bid to gain European antitrust approval for the parent company takeover.

Meanwhile, four South Korean low-cost carriers, including Jeju Air and Eastar Jet, have submitted non-binding bids to acquire Asiana's cargo unit, highlighting the intense competition to capitalize on the growing air cargo market.

The outcome of this pivotal acquisition will undoubtedly shape the future of South Korea's air cargo landscape.

Four low-cost carriers, including Aero K, Jeju Air, Eastar Jet, and Air Incheon, have submitted bids to acquire Asiana Airlines' lucrative cargo business, which accounts for nearly 25% of Asiana's total sales.

Korean Air, the country's flag carrier, has agreed to sell Asiana's cargo segment as a remedial measure to gain European Union antitrust approval for its acquisition of the rival airline.

Asiana's cargo division operates a fleet of 11 dedicated freighter aircraft, making it a highly sought-after asset in the fiercely competitive air cargo market.

Despite Jeju Air being initially considered the frontrunner, the airline has reportedly backed off from the bidding, while fellow low-cost carrier Eastar Jet remains in the race.

The auction for Asiana's cargo business follows a strategic decision by the company to divest the unit as part of the conditions for Korean Air's acquisition of Asiana Airlines.

Investment bank UBS has been tasked with overseeing the formal bidding process for Asiana's cargo division, reflecting the high-stakes nature of this pivotal acquisition.

What else is in this post?

  1. South Korea's Air Carriers Vie for Asiana's Cargo Wing in Pivotal Acquisition - Fierce Competition for Air Cargo Dominance
  2. South Korea's Air Carriers Vie for Asiana's Cargo Wing in Pivotal Acquisition - Boosting Logistics Capabilities Through Strategic Acquisition
  3. South Korea's Air Carriers Vie for Asiana's Cargo Wing in Pivotal Acquisition - Regulatory Scrutiny - Navigating Competition Concerns
  4. South Korea's Air Carriers Vie for Asiana's Cargo Wing in Pivotal Acquisition - Korean Air's Quest for Cargo Supremacy
  5. South Korea's Air Carriers Vie for Asiana's Cargo Wing in Pivotal Acquisition - Jin Air - Expanding Horizons in the Cargo Market
  6. South Korea's Air Carriers Vie for Asiana's Cargo Wing in Pivotal Acquisition - Redefining South Korea's Air Cargo Landscape

South Korea's Air Carriers Vie for Asiana's Cargo Wing in Pivotal Acquisition - Boosting Logistics Capabilities Through Strategic Acquisition


With the planned acquisition of Asiana Airlines by Korean Air, the Korean aviation industry is undergoing a significant transformation.

As part of the deal, Korean Air has agreed to divest Asiana's cargo business, leading to a fierce competition among low-cost carriers like Jeju Air and Eastar Jet to acquire this lucrative asset and boost their logistics capabilities.

The outcome of this pivotal acquisition is expected to shape the future of South Korea's air cargo landscape.

Asiana Airlines' cargo division accounts for nearly 25% of the company's total sales, making it a highly valuable asset in the Korean aviation industry.

The acquisition of Asiana's cargo business is expected to enhance the operational efficiencies and global reach of the acquiring airline, whether it's Korean Air or one of the low-cost carriers.

Korean Air, the country's flag carrier, has agreed to sell Asiana's cargo segment as a remedial measure to gain European Union antitrust approval for its acquisition of the rival airline.

Four Korean low-cost carriers, including Jeju Air, Eastar Jet, Air Incheon, and Aero K, have submitted bids to acquire Asiana's cargo unit, showcasing the intense competition in the air cargo market.

Asiana's cargo division operates a fleet of 11 dedicated freighter aircraft, making it a highly sought-after asset in the industry, as cargo transportation continues to grow in importance.

The auction for Asiana's cargo business is being overseen by investment bank UBS, reflecting the high-stakes nature of this pivotal acquisition and the strategic importance of boosting logistics capabilities.

The successful acquisition of Asiana's cargo division is expected to increase competition in the Korean air cargo market, as the acquiring airline aims to challenge the dominance of Korean Air and other major players like FedEx, DHL, and UPS.

South Korea's Air Carriers Vie for Asiana's Cargo Wing in Pivotal Acquisition - Regulatory Scrutiny - Navigating Competition Concerns


The South Korean government is closely scrutinizing the proposed acquisition of Asiana Airlines' cargo wing by competitor air carriers, as the regulators examine the potential impact on the market, including effects on competition, prices, and consumer welfare.

The acquisition could lead to consolidation in the cargo market, potentially reducing competition and leading to higher prices for shippers, as the two main airlines, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, currently dominate South Korea's air cargo market.

The acquisition is being closely watched, as any anti-competitive effects could result in regulatory intervention to preserve market competition.

The European Union (EU) antitrust regulators temporarily halted their investigation into Korean Air's proposed acquisition of Asiana Airlines due to concerns about reduced competition in the airline industry.

To address the EU's competition concerns, Korean Air offered to divest Asiana's global cargo freighter business, including freighter aircraft, slots, traffic rights, flight crew, and customer cargo contracts.

After a wide-ranging investigation, EU regulators concluded that Korean Air's acquisition of Asiana may restrict competition in the provision of passenger and cargo air transport services between the European Economic Area (EEA) and South Korea.

The South Korean government is closely scrutinizing the proposed acquisition of Asiana Airlines' cargo wing by competitor air carriers, examining the potential impact on the market, including effects on competition, prices, and consumer welfare.

The acquisition could lead to further consolidation in the cargo market, potentially reducing competition and leading to higher prices for shippers, as Korean Air and Asiana Airlines currently dominate South Korea's air cargo market.

The acquisition would impact global alliances, as Korean Air is a member of SkyTeam, while Asiana Airlines is part of Star Alliance, potentially disrupting the existing partnerships.

Korean Air won EU antitrust approval on February 14, 2024, after the companies agreed to sell certain assets to address competition concerns, paving the way for the acquisition to proceed.

The acquisition is being closely watched, as any anti-competitive effects could result in regulatory intervention to preserve market competition and prevent the potential abuse of dominance in the air cargo sector.

South Korea's Air Carriers Vie for Asiana's Cargo Wing in Pivotal Acquisition - Korean Air's Quest for Cargo Supremacy


Korean Air has made a strategic move to acquire Asiana Airlines, which includes the divestment of Asiana's cargo business.

This has sparked fierce competition among South Korean budget airlines, such as Jeju Air and Eastar Jet, to acquire Asiana's lucrative cargo unit.

The outcome of this pivotal acquisition is expected to shape the future of South Korea's air cargo landscape, with the acquiring airline aiming to challenge the dominance of Korean Air and other major players in the industry.

The acquisition is also facing regulatory scrutiny, as the South Korean government and the European Union are examining the potential impact on competition, prices, and consumer welfare.

Korean Air has agreed to sell Asiana's cargo business and divest routes to four EU cities to gain antitrust approval for the acquisition, highlighting the complex regulatory environment surrounding this transaction.

Korean Air has offered to sell Asiana's cargo business and divest routes to four EU cities to gain EU approval for its acquisition of Asiana Airlines, highlighting the importance of regulatory oversight in shaping the industry's future.

Asiana's cargo business unit recorded annual revenue of 16 trillion won in 2023, underscoring the significant financial value of this asset and the fierce competition to acquire it.

The sale of Asiana's cargo division is expected to start on Tuesday, with Korean Air aiming to select a buyer before October 2024, showcasing the urgency to secure this pivotal acquisition.

Four South Korean budget airlines - Jeju Air, Eastar Jet, Air Premia, and Air Incheon - have submitted bids for Asiana's cargo unit, highlighting the ambitious growth plans of these low-cost carriers in the air cargo market.

Asiana's cargo division consists of 11 cargo planes and operates 21 routes to 25 cities in 12 countries, making it a well-established and geographically diverse operation.

The cargo division accounts for approximately a fifth of South Korea's market for overseas air cargo, underscoring the strategic importance of this asset for the country's air cargo dominance.

The acquisition of Asiana's cargo business is expected to enhance the operational efficiencies and global reach of the acquiring airline, whether it's Korean Air or one of the low-cost carriers.

The successful acquisition of Asiana's cargo division is anticipated to increase competition in the Korean air cargo market, as the acquiring airline aims to challenge the dominance of Korean Air and other major global players.

South Korea's Air Carriers Vie for Asiana's Cargo Wing in Pivotal Acquisition - Jin Air - Expanding Horizons in the Cargo Market


Jin Air, a South Korean low-cost carrier, is making a bold move to expand its presence in the cargo market.

The airline is positioning itself as a contender in the auction for Asiana Airlines' cargo division, aiming to strengthen its position in both the domestic and international air cargo sectors.

With a focus on growing its cargo operations, Jin Air believes its expertise and infrastructure can effectively manage Asiana's cargo business, contributing to the financial recovery and market dominance of the larger carrier.

Jin Air, a South Korean low-cost carrier, has experienced a remarkable 3% year-on-year growth in its cargo traffic in 2020, significantly outpacing the industry average.

Jin Air's cargo revenue surged by an impressive 6% in 2020, showcasing the airline's ability to capitalize on the growing demand for air cargo transportation.

With a focus on expanding its cargo operations, Jin Air is poised to absorb Asiana Airlines' cargo unit, which operates a fleet of nine 747-400F and one 767F dedicated freighter aircraft.

The acquisition of Asiana's cargo wing aligns with Jin Air's ambition to become South Korea's second-largest airline, further strengthening its presence in both the domestic and international air cargo markets.

The fierce competition among South Korean low-cost carriers, including Jeju Air and Eastar Jet, to acquire Asiana's cargo business underscores the strategic importance of this pivotal acquisition for the country's air cargo landscape.

Asiana's cargo division accounts for nearly 25% of the company's total sales, making it a highly valuable asset in the Korean aviation industry and a prime target for acquisition.

The auction for Asiana's cargo business is being overseen by investment bank UBS, reflecting the high-stakes nature of this transaction and the strategic positioning of the acquiring airline in the region's air cargo market.

The successful acquisition of Asiana's cargo division is anticipated to increase competition in the Korean air cargo market, as the acquiring airline aims to challenge the dominance of Korean Air and other major players like FedEx, DHL, and UPS.

The acquisition of Asiana's cargo business is expected to enhance the operational efficiencies and global reach of the acquiring airline, whether it's Jin Air or another low-cost carrier, potentially leading to improved logistics capabilities and service offerings for customers.

South Korea's Air Carriers Vie for Asiana's Cargo Wing in Pivotal Acquisition - Redefining South Korea's Air Cargo Landscape


The planned acquisition of Asiana Airlines by Korean Air is reshaping South Korea's air cargo industry.

As part of the deal, Korean Air has agreed to sell Asiana's cargo division, including its fleet of 11 freighters, airport slots, routes, and workforce.

This move has sparked fierce competition among budget carriers, such as Jeju Air and Eastar Jet, to acquire Asiana's lucrative cargo business, which accounts for nearly 25% of Asiana's total revenue.

The sale of Asiana's cargo division faces challenges due to the inherited debts and the estimated sale price.

However, the successful acquisition is expected to increase competition in the Korean air cargo market, as the acquiring airline aims to challenge the dominance of Korean Air and other major players.

The outcome of this pivotal acquisition will undoubtedly shape the future of South Korea's air cargo landscape.

Asiana Airlines' cargo division generates over 1 trillion won in annual revenue, accounting for nearly 25% of the company's total sales.

The sale of Asiana's cargo business is expected to face challenges due to the inheritance of debts worth around 1 trillion won, in addition to the estimated sale price of 500 to 700 billion won.

Korean Air has proposed selling Asiana's cargo business to four EU cities to address the European Commission's concerns about the potential monopolization of European cargo routes post-merger.

Asiana's cargo division operates a fleet of 11 dedicated freighter aircraft, making it a highly sought-after asset in the fiercely competitive air cargo market.

Despite being the initial frontrunner, Jeju Air has reportedly backed off from the bidding for Asiana's cargo unit, while fellow low-cost carrier Eastar Jet remains in the race.

The auction for Asiana's cargo business is being overseen by investment bank UBS, reflecting the high-stakes nature of this pivotal acquisition.

Jin Air, a South Korean low-cost carrier, has experienced a remarkable 3% year-on-year growth in its cargo traffic in 2020, significantly outpacing the industry average.

Jin Air's cargo revenue surged by an impressive 6% in 2020, showcasing the airline's ability to capitalize on the growing demand for air cargo transportation.

Asiana's cargo division consists of 11 cargo planes and operates 21 routes to 25 cities in 12 countries, making it a well-established and geographically diverse operation.

The cargo division accounts for approximately a fifth of South Korea's market for overseas air cargo, underscoring the strategic importance of this asset for the country's air cargo dominance.

The successful acquisition of Asiana's cargo division is anticipated to increase competition in the Korean air cargo market, as the acquiring airline aims to challenge the dominance of Korean Air and other major global players.
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