Korean Air Celebrates 45 Years of New York Route with Prestigious Honors and Collaborative Spirit

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Korean Air recently hosted a commemorative event in Manhattan, New York, marking the 45th anniversary of its New York route. Collaborating with the Korea Tourism Organization, Incheon International Airport Corporation, and Delta Air Lines, the celebration took place on April 4th.

During the event, Korean Air was honored to receive a Senate and General Assembly Citation from New Jersey, recognizing its significant contributions to the eastern region of the United States. Additionally, the airline expressed gratitude by presenting a plaque of appreciation to the Korean American Associations of New York and New Jersey for their steadfast support throughout the years.

“We extend our deep gratitude to the Korean communities in the region and our esteemed partners for their steadfast support throughout the past 45 years,” said Jin Ho Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Americas Regional Headquarters at Korean Air. “We look forward to bringing you upgraded customer services, including the opening of new lounges, upon the completion of the new Terminal One in 2026.”

The event boasted an impressive guest list, featuring Euy Whan Kim, the Consul General of Korea in New York; Kwang S. Kim, President of the Korean American Association of Greater New York; Adrian Lee, President of The Korean American Association of New Jersey; Grace Lee, a New York Assemblywoman; Ellen Park, a New Jersey Assemblywoman; Julie Won, a New York City Council Member; and Steve Rowland, Executive Director at JFK Terminal One. Around 130 participants joined in the celebrations, representing 60 prominent local travel agencies.

Korean Air graciously provided guests with a commemorative 45th anniversary wine, created in collaboration with New York Del Vino Winery, and a specially-designed tote bag crafted in partnership with the Korean Association of New York Artists (KANA), a non-profit cultural and arts organization based in New York.

The event’s hosts collectively promoted Korea as a premier tourist destination, highlighting its enhanced hub competitiveness following the expansion of Incheon International Airport. Notable sponsors such as Ceragem and LG joined in celebrating the airline’s milestone anniversary with various contributions.

Since its inaugural flight to New York on March 29, 1979, Korean Air has been instrumental in fostering cultural, artistic, and economic ties between the two nations. Presently, the airline operates two daily flights between New York JFK and Seoul Incheon: flight KE082 departs from JFK at 13:20 and arrives at Seoul Incheon at 17:50 the following day, while flight KE086 departs JFK at 00:50 and arrives at Seoul Incheon at 05:20 the following day.

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