Kitaek Kang, the newly appointed head of Asiana Airlines’ U.S. division, officially took office in Los Angeles on January 28, marking the first major personnel change since the final approval of the Korean Air-Asiana Airlines merger. His arrival has drawn keen interest from the travel and aviation industries as well as the Korean American community.
Kang resigned from Korean Air on January 15 and was promoted to executive director at Asiana Airlines the following day, taking over as head of the Americas division. Under the merger agreement, Korean Air will operate Asiana Airlines as a subsidiary for the next two years, during which the two airlines will undergo cultural and operational integration, including workforce restructuring, mileage program unification, and a new corporate identity (CI).
A seasoned veteran in the airline industry, Kang was selected to lead the brand integration efforts in the Americas. Currently, Asiana Airlines operates five passenger offices, five cargo offices, and two airport locations in the region, with approximately 200 employees, including 70 in Los Angeles.
Kang emphasized that the merger will require a meticulous integration process, from operational systems to mileage programs. He envisions creating an upgraded airline that combines the strengths of both companies while ensuring a seamless experience for passengers. “Our top priority is maintaining safe operations and ensuring that customer service remains uninterrupted throughout this transition,” he stated.
As the merger progresses, concerns have emerged over potential monopolistic practices and fare increases. Addressing these worries, Kang pointed out that the European Union’s competition authorities had thoroughly reviewed the merger and ultimately granted approval, alleviating monopoly concerns. He further assured that the merger could encourage new competitors to enter the market, increasing route options and pricing choices for consumers.
The integration of the mileage programs remains undecided, but Kang reassured Asiana Airlines customers that they would not be disadvantaged. “We are working on solutions to ensure fair treatment for Asiana Airlines customers, including increasing award seat availability to maximize mileage redemption opportunities,” he said.
A graduate of Korea University with a degree in chemistry, Kang joined Korean Air in 1995. From 2008 to 2012, he led marketing and public relations at the airline’s LA office and later served as the LA office head from 2015 to 2019. He also completed a short-term assignment in New York. Since November 2020, when Korean Air announced its acquisition of Asiana Airlines, he has played a crucial role as head of the U.S. strategy team in the corporate merger task force, contributing to the formation of one of the world’s top 10 airlines.
BY EUNYOUNG LEE [lee.eunyoung6@koreadaily.com]
