Unless Korean Air is somehow playing a trick on us, it has revealed its new livery two days ahead of its official launch. Once again, I’m asking myself why airlines cannot leave well-enough alone?
Korean Air Unveils New Livery
Tomorrow, on March 11, 2025, Korean Air will formally unveil its new livery. But last night, a Korean Air 787-10 was filed landing in Seoul Incheon sporting what appears to be a brand new livery (exterior paintjob).
It’s a darker look, with “Korean” replacing “Korena Air” (perhaps as a sign of the Asiana – Korean Air merger) in a modern, thinner font. The red color is gone, most notably in the ying-yang (taegeuk) tail that also appears in the South Korean flag. That tail (presumably the new logo) is now semi-transparent and all blue.
Korean last changed its livery after the crash of KAL007 on September 1, 1983 (shot down by the Soviets…) and has not changed it in over 40 years…and I have always loved the unique blue livery. For reference:
I feel like I am almost always against new liveries…and most do not grow on me over time (that includes American Airlines, United Airlines, Aer Lingus, Air India, Brussels Airlines, and Iberia to name just a new few) while there are some exceptions (I love the new Condor and Saudia liveries).
The new change strikes me as not only unnecessary but so pedestrian…it looks like a bit of Norse, TUI, and KLM…come on, Korean Air! Incorporating the South Korean flag into the livery of the flag carrier is a nice touch and the light blue coloring was certainly unique…same with flight attendant uniforms.
I think changing from “Korean Air” to “Korean” is rather clever, recognizing the incorporation of Asiana into Korean. But the font is far too thin and far too plain…surely Korean could have picked a better font. In fact, I would have picked the pre-1983 font…a little bit of history and retro, much like the Saudia livery.
CONCLUSION
Ultimately, I don’t think anyone is going to choose a carrier based on the livery. Even so, I just don’t understand why carriers choose something so plain…this livery does not distinguish Korean Air. Quite the contrary, it makes me think of other liveries. That’s not a winning formula, though I’m sure we’ll get used to it if this is indeed the final livery.
What do you think of the new Korean Air livery?
featured image: jun.aviation/Instagram // hat tip: One Mile At A Time
It’s giving me Riyadh Air vibes
Now they can equipment swap with fellow ‘Sky Schemer” KLM and nobody will even notice !
Maybe the new livery just needs the horizontal silver stripe from the old design that separates the blue (what appears to be metallic blue) from the white. Jackie Kennedy would not approve the new livery.
Agree Matthew. I’ll miss their iconic logo that gave their livery a uniquely Korean aspect. Why take that away?? I understand the need for a rebranding with the upcoming merger… But this livery just seems a bit too bland. Alas!