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| Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Won-tae / Courtesy of Korean Air |
By Kim Hyun-bin
Cho Won-tae, chairman of Hanjin Group, said the aviation industry will get back on track this year, and asked Korean Air employees to help complete the acquisition of Asiana Airlines in his New Year address.
"We've seen a glimpse of normalization and the?airports are beginning to bustle with passengers whom we have missed dearly. We also found hope and pleasure in returning to work to see our colleagues," Cho said in his New Year message that was posted on the company's employee website, Monday. "We need to identify in advance our customers' preferred destinations and services, and analyze when and where to add operations as well as which services to enhance."??
Amidst growing economic uncertainties, Cho assured his colleagues that the?airline is confident and ready to move forward. "There have been numerous challenges in our way, but we've always overcome and leveraged them to create new opportunities. We're armed with more than half a century of experience and will use this insight to address our future."
The chairman emphasized the importance of successfully acquiring Asiana within the year.
"2023 is a pivotal year for completing the huge task of closing our acquisition of Asiana?Airlines. We are in the last stage with the remaining overseas competition authorities reviewing the deal," he said.
Cho also emphasized?Korean?Air's environment, social and corporate governance (ESG) duties as a responsible member of society.
"ESG management is no longer a choice, but mandatory for our future survival. We've always been committed to the well-being of our society. Introducing eco-friendly?aircraft, reducing waste through increased in-cabin recycling and operating an ESG committee to improve governance are all part of our efforts to support our social responsibility. We will not stop here, but continue to make?Korean?Air?a responsible company that fulfills its corporate responsibilities and is beloved by its customers," he said.
"While the future demands more wisdom from us than ever, we will continue on our path as we always have. We are the country's top aviation experts and know how to give our customers around the globe the ultimate travel experience."?
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