Emphasizing Organic Collaboration Based on ‘Absolute Safety’
Cho Won-tae, chairman of the Hanjin Group, pledged on January 2 to elevate the status of the Korean aviation industry in the global market by launching the integrated airline of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines this year.
In his New Year’s address posted on the company intranet that morning, Chairman Cho stated, “Last year, there was a significant change as Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and group companies came together under the roof of the Hanjin Group,” and added, “As the leading airline, our mission now is to elevate the status of the Korean aviation industry and meet the heightened expectations of customers.”
Chairman Cho initially pointed out that “integration represents a different stage and challenge from the processes we have undertaken so far” and called for extensive innovation. He warned that “the global gap can widen in an instant if we become complacent with the current reality,” and stated, “We must fundamentally transform our organization, systems, and work practices while firmly upholding the values we must protect.”
He particularly began his New Year’s message with a tribute to the Jeju Air disaster and expressed, “As an aviation industry professional, I deeply feel the heavy responsibility conveyed by the word ‘safety.'” He continued, “Absolute safety is the foundation of all our operations,” emphasizing that “since safety issues are not visible until they occur, during times of change, safety is the first thing that can be overlooked. All sectors must collaborate organically to maintain an absolute safety operation system.”
Regarding customer service, he advised, “The standards for the integrated airline’s services should be different from before,” adding, “Special customer experiences should build a solid bond between us and our customers.”
Additionally, Chairman Cho emphasized the need for Korean Air and Asiana Airlines to understand and respect each other, laying the groundwork for harmony to move toward becoming a centennial enterprise. He remarked, “Members of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines should not argue about who is right or wrong, but should intensely contemplate creating something better together,” and encouraged, “Let’s all be protagonists in writing a new story.” He further mentioned that they plan to introduce a new CI (Corporate Image) this year, which will serve as the focal point and symbol of the integration between the two airlines.