Korea FTC Approves Korean Air-Asiana Mileage Integration Plan, Finalizing Merger Terms

South Korea's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized the terms governing 4.07 trillion won ($3 billion) in combined accounting liabilities, representing the unredeemed frequent-flyer miles of millions of passengers, by approving the integration plan between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. The decision clears the final major regulatory hurdle before the two carriers legally merge on December 17, 2026.[2][6]

Under the approved framework, Asiana Airlines' existing mileage program will be maintained and managed separately for 10 years following the merger. Customers can use their accumulated Asiana miles on all Korean Air-operated routes without penalty, retaining Asiana's existing redemption thresholds and expiration policies.[3][6]

Passengers who choose to convert their balances to Korean Air's SkyPass program will see "flight" miles—those earned by taking flights—converted at a 1-to-1 ratio. "Partner" miles accumulated through credit cards and affiliate services will convert at a 1-to-0.82 ratio. The FTC mandated that partial conversions are not permitted; the entire balance must be transferred at once.[3][4]

To accommodate Asiana's elite frequent flyers, Korean Air will grant equivalent status tiers within its own loyalty program. The carrier is introducing a new tier, Morning Calm Select, which will offer SkyTeam Elite Plus benefits alongside its existing Million Miler, Morning Calm Premium, and Morning Calm levels.[3]

To prevent the post-merger monopoly from restricting award-seat availability, the FTC imposed strict supply mandates. Korean Air must maintain award-seat capacity on long-haul routes to the Americas, Europe, and Oceania at or above 2023 levels—the highest recorded over the past decade—for the next 10 years.[2][6]

The regulator also introduced a new management standard for total mileage redemption. Based on the combined annual mileage usage of both airlines' members in 2025, Korean Air is required to expand redemption capacity to 106 percent in 2027 and 2028, and to 121 percent between 2030 and 2036.[2][4]

The FTC will establish an implementation oversight committee to monitor Korean Air's compliance with these conditions, tracking award-seat availability and overall program management. "We expect the plan to produce a meaningful increase in mileage redemption opportunities for customers of both Korean Air and Asiana Airlines," the commission stated.[2]

The integration plan takes effect on December 17, 2026, when Asiana Airlines ceases to exist as an independent corporate entity. Any Asiana miles remaining unconverted at the end of the 10-year transition period will automatically convert to Korean Air miles at the established ratios.[2][3]