Korean Air reported on the 7th that its operating profit for last year was provisionally recorded at 1.9446 trillion won, a 22.5% increase from the previous year.
During the same period, sales amounted to 16.1166 trillion won, marking a 10.6% increase and achieving the highest figure ever, while net profit was reported at 1.2542 trillion won, a 36.8% increase.
In the fourth quarter of last year, operating profit was 183.6 billion won, a 159% increase compared to the same period the previous year, while sales rose by 1% to 4.296 trillion won. Net profit turned to a surplus of 283.3 billion won from a loss of 234.6 billion won in the same period last year.
Korean Air noted that fourth-quarter passenger business revenue fell to 2.3746 trillion won, a 3% decrease compared to the same period last year, due to global supply recovery, but they managed to generate revenue through increased passenger rates focused on winter tourism demand and enhanced services, despite being a seasonal off-peak period.
During the same period, freight business revenue recorded 1.198 trillion won, a 9% increase from the same period last year, as demand for air freight remained stable due to e-commerce demand from China and year-end consumption special factors.
Korean Air stated that for the passenger business strategy in the first quarter of this year, sustained long-haul demand and recovery of performance on routes to China are expected, and they plan to expand charter flights on concentrated demand routes to maximize revenue.
The freight institutional sector plans to enhance profitability through diversified business portfolios and flexible supply operations driven by e-commerce demand.
A representative from Korean Air said, "Although uncertainty in the business environment is projected due to changes in the global political landscape in 2025, we plan to strengthen our competitiveness as a global network airline through a preparation period for the merger with Asiana Airlines."