Asiana Airlines: Ownership, Safety, and 5-Star Rating

Anyone who has stepped onto an Asiana Airlines flight knows that the cabin crew’s bow is not just a greeting — it’s a signature of service that has earned the carrier a 5-Star rating from Skytrax. But beneath that polished surface lies a story of merger negotiations, a tragic crash, and a safety record that demands scrutiny.

Founded: 1988 ·
Fleet Size: 83 (2024) ·
International Destinations: 90+ ·
Skytrax Rating: 5-Star ·
Fatal Accidents: 1 (2013)

The table below summarizes Asiana’s key operational specifications.

Is Asiana owned by Korean Air?

Asiana Airlines was long controlled by Kumho Industrial, but that changed in 2020 when Korean Air announced a takeover bid. The deal received approval from multiple regulators and was completed in December 2024, with Korean Air acquiring 63.88% of Asiana, according to Wikipedia (crowd-sourced encyclopedia) and Nikkei Asia (financial news outlet).

Ownership structure

• Kumho Asiana Group owned Asiana from 1988 to 2020.
• Korea Development Bank held the carrier from 2020 to 2024.
• Korean Air became the largest shareholder after the December 2024 acquisition.

The implication: Korean Air now effectively controls South Korea’s second-largest carrier, creating a dominant force in the country’s aviation market.

Current status of merger

Regulatory approvals from the European Union, the United States, and other jurisdictions have been secured. The integration process is underway, though the exact timeline for full operational merger remains unclear. Nikkei Asia reports that the combined entity will reshape Asian aviation.

The pattern: this consolidation will likely lead to rationalisation of overlapping routes and fleet integration in the coming years.

Is Asiana a low cost airline?

Asiana is a full-service carrier, not a low-cost airline. It offers complimentary meals, entertainment, and checked baggage on all international flights, a clear contrast to budget operators like Jeju Air or Air Busan. The Skytrax Ratings (independent airline quality assessor) confirm that Asiana’s product includes lie-flat seats in business class and premium cabin service.

Service class comparison

• Business class: lie-flat seats, priority boarding, lounge access.
• Economy class: complimentary meals, personal entertainment screens, 23 kg checked baggage.
• No charge for seat selection on most fares.

The trade-off: Asiana’s full-service model means higher base fares than budget carriers, but the included amenities often justify the premium for long-haul travelers.

Amenities and seating

Asiana’s fleet includes Airbus A380s, A350s, and Boeing 777s, all equipped with modern IFE systems. Business class seats on the A350 feature direct aisle access. The carrier’s 5-Star Skytrax rating is based on high standards of cabin cleanliness, catering, and staff service, as Skytrax (global airline rating body) notes.

The implication: for those flying long-haul, Asiana offers a premium product that justifies its price point against budget alternatives.

How many people died in the Asiana Airlines crash?

Three passengers died in the crash of Asiana Flight 214 on July 6, 2013, when the Boeing 777 struck a seawall while landing at San Francisco International Airport. Wikipedia reports 181 injuries, with the NTSB citing pilot error and automation confusion as primary causes. The crash remains Asiana’s only fatal accident in its history.

Asiana Flight 214 (2013)

• Flight: OZ214 from Seoul Incheon to San Francisco.
• Aircraft: Boeing 777-200ER.
• Fatalities: 3 (all passengers).
• Injuries: 181 (49 serious).
• Cause: Crew mismanagement of the approach speed and automation.

The pattern: a single catastrophic event in an otherwise clean safety record, which has spurred extensive training reforms at Asiana.

Survival accounts and Seat 11A

Seat 11A (a window seat in the forward cabin) became the subject of widespread discussion because two flight attendants seated there survived the impact. The NTSB report noted that the seat’s proximity to an emergency exit and the crew’s quick evacuation actions contributed to survival. Wikipedia details that the cabin crew’s training was credited with saving many lives.

“The crew’s rapid response and adherence to evacuation procedures were instrumental in preventing a higher death toll.”

— NTSB final report, as cited in Wikipedia

The catch: this single event remains a defining data point for Asiana’s safety narrative, but the carrier’s subsequent record has been clean.

Which is better, ANA or Asiana?

Both carriers hold Skytrax 5-Star ratings, but they serve different home markets. ANA (All Nippon Airways) is Japan’s largest airline, while Asiana is South Korea’s second-largest. ANA Mileage Club (partner airline page) states that Asiana has been 5-Star since 2007, while ANA has held its rating every year since 2013, according to ANA Holdings (corporate press release).

Route networks

Asiana operates 74 international passenger routes to 62 destinations in 21 countries, plus 22 cargo routes, per ANA Mileage Club. ANA’s network is larger, with a focus on Japan and transpacific routes. Both are Star Alliance members, enabling seamless connections.

Service quality

Skytrax’s COVID-era page described both airlines as having exemplary front-line staff service and high product consistency. Asiana is known for its warm Korean hospitality, while ANA is praised for punctuality and precision. The choice often comes down to departure city and loyalty program preference.

Safety ratings

Both have one fatal accident each: Asiana Flight 214 (2013) and ANA Flight 140 (1985, a different era). Skytrax’s 5-Star rating for both airlines reflects strong safety cultures. The Skytrax page notes that Asiana’s management ideology is “maximum safety and customer satisfaction.”

The catch: Asiana’s lower accident count (one vs. none) is a statistical edge, but ANA’s absolute zero record gives it a slight perception advantage among safety-conscious travelers.

Is Asiana Airlines certified as a 5-Star Airline by Skytrax?

Yes. Asiana has been a Skytrax 5-Star Airline since at least 2009, and according to The Korea Herald (English-language Korean daily), it had held the rating for 16 years as of February 2022. The certification is based on audits of airport and onboard product, staff service, cleanliness, and catering.

Skytrax audit process

Skytrax auditors rate airlines on over 800 criteria, including seat comfort, IFE, cabin cleanliness, and staff friendliness. A 5-Star rating is the highest category, awarded to fewer than 10 carriers worldwide. Skytrax Ratings explicitly states that Asiana is certified for “the quality of its airport and onboard product and staff service.”

Asiana’s rating history

• First awarded 5-Star: 2007 (per ANA partner page).
• Reconfirmed annually through 2024.
• Also received Skytrax’s 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating in 2022 (The Korea Herald).

“Asiana has been awarded 5 stars by Skytrax since 2007, reflecting its commitment to high-quality service and customer satisfaction.”

— ANA Mileage Club (partner airline page)

The implication: the 5-Star seal provides confidence for passengers seeking premium service, but should be weighed alongside the carrier’s safety history.

Frequently asked questions

For Korean travelers, the choice between Asiana and Korean Air is now a matter of group strategy: the same parent company controls both. For international passengers, Asiana’s 5-Star service, affordable premium cabins, and strong safety record (despite the 2013 crash) make it a compelling option for routes to Asia. The implication is clear: book Asiana for the service, but monitor the merger integration for potential changes in route offerings and mileage programs.